Clément Noël, the French Olympic slalom champion, experienced a heavy crash during the first run of the World Cup Giant Slalom at Val d’Isère on December 14, 2024. Just 40 seconds after the start of his run, Noël misjudged the course, colliding with a gate and crashing at high speed, resulting in him finishing his race entangled within the safety nets.
Initially reported by Eurosport, images from the scene showed the 27-year-old athlete struggling to stand upright after the incident. According to accounts from France Bleu Pays de Savoie, Clément Noël appeared to be limping upon his descent from the slope, indicating possible injury to his right ankle. Further reports detailed significant damage, including broken front teeth, raising questions about his participation in the slalom event planned for the following day.
Shortly after the accident, Noël commented on the day’s track conditions, noting, "C’est un peu irrégulier. Il y a de la neige soft en haut... ça va être irrégulier je pense, pas si facile à skier, comme d’hab !" This reflects the skiers’ challenges faced on the uneven terrain, which he had evaluated just before his race.
After the crash, Clément Noël managed to get back on his skis and make his way down, but he heavily favored his left leg, indicating significant discomfort. Upon arriving at the finish area, he confirmed fears of injury. Reports initially suggested serious repercussions; he had at least two broken teeth and experienced pain from his right ankle. This raised concerns about his ability to compete the next day.
Fortunately, as the dust settled on Saturday afternoon, Noël provided updates on his injuries, offering some reassurance to fans and followers. "Je me suis fait refaire les dents tout de suite, elles sont toutes nickel," he stated, addressing the dental injuries with some levity, even as he acknowledged, "Mais j’ai quand même mal à la cheville. Il y a une petite entorse qui est un petit peu embêtante, mais ce n’est pas très grave, ça demande normalement un peu de repos." This assertion indicates his optimism and willingness to push through the pain.
Clément Noël had begun the World Cup season strong, capturing victories at both Levi (Finland) and Gurgl (Austria) earlier, and he expressed hopes to continue his winning streak at his home resort of Val d’Isère, his adoptive home since childhood. "Je vais essayer de marcher le moins possible et de ne faire que des soins," he remarked, indicating his strategy leading up to the next day's competition, which shows his competitive spirit and determination.
Despite the injuries, Noël remained hopeful about his chances for the slalom the next day. "Si j’arrive à faire la course demain, je serrerai un peu les dents, et si ça ne passe pas, je me reposerai pour revenir le plus vite possible," he explained, laying out his willingness to compete regardless of discomfort, showcasing the typical mindset of elite athletes facing adversity.
The slalom, set for December 15, remains uncertain but eagerly anticipated by fans now more aware of the risks athletes take for victory. Following Val d’Isère, Noël's next opportunity to compete will arise on December 23, 2024, at Alta Badia, Italy. Meanwhile, the crash has prompted discussions over safety measures on challenging courses and the physical demands placed upon skiers. The Swiss competitor Marco Odermatt, who aims to capture more titles this season, secured the fastest time of the slalom followed by notable competitors like Henrik Kristoffersen and Loïc Meillard.
Overall, Clément Noël's crash has cast a shadow over his strong opening season but exemplifies the resilience and drive inherent within competitive skiing. Here’s hoping for swift recovery and delightful skiing performances yet to come, as fans are sure to rally behind the champion after his brave return to the slopes.
