Clément Noël, the French alpine ski star, faced a harrowing moment during the giant slalom race at Val d'Isère on December 14, 2024, as he crashed spectacularly, raising concerns about his ability to continue competing this season.
The incident unfolded as Noël was racing with bib number 31. He suffered a fall on the steep section of the course, losing control during a right turn, which led him to miss the next gate and crash headlong through the safety netting. Eyewitnesses reported his landing was severe enough to not only cause him considerable pain but also to partially tear the safety fencing.
Despite the initial shock of the incident, Noël managed to stand up moments later, though he visibly struggled with pain radiated from his right leg. After being assisted off the course by rescue staff, he was transported to the medical area, where he underwent examinations.
Those watching were anxious as he remained incapacitated on the sidelines for several minutes following the crash. Eventually, he was seen greeting fans with what could only be described as a bloodied smile, later confirming he had lost two teeth but avoided serious damage to his ankle.
According to reports from Eurosport, the current season leader of the slalom World Cup and second overall handled the situation impressively, though the extent of his injuries raised alarms within the skiing community. Expert journalist Johan Clarey suggested it was highly unlikely Noël would be able to participate in the slalom the day after the giant slalom, leading to increased concern from fans and fellow skiers alike.
The following day, after undergoing initial medical assessments, it appeared the outcome was more favorable than anticipated. Explaining his condition later, Noël said, "I’m going to do my best to make the race on Sunday," adding, "I've got some pain, but I'm hopeful. My teeth are fixed, but my ankle is what concerns me. It's just a small sprain, which is annoying, but nothing is broken, and there aren’t major swellings or notable inflammation. With some treatment, I hope to compete."
During this reflective moment, Noël emphasized his commitment to recovery, stating, "I’ll try to rest, minimize my walking, and focus on treatment. I won’t attend tonight's draw for bibs but instead will prepare for the morning. I’ll give it my all and see if I can manage to fit my foot in the boot. If necessary, I’ll take time off to return stronger, ideally for Alta Badia on December 23."
The Fédération Française de Ski (FFS) released a statement shortly after Noël’s crash, confirming he would receive the necessary medical attention to optimize his chances of participating in the upcoming slalom, with all decisions dependent on his warming up the following day on skis. "Care will be provided to maximize his chances of starting the slalom,“ it stated. The decision would hinge on his condition after the warm-up session.
Fans of Noël, who has previously claimed victories at both Levi and Gurgl, were relieved to hear updates indicating his injury might not be as severe as first thought. Nonetheless, uncertainty remained thick as competitors and fans awaited official confirmation of his participation.
Despite potential setbacks, Noël's resilience and determination shone through the chaos of race day. His upbeat demeanor as he discussed his situation only added to the optimism around his potential return to competition. "I want to compete, and I'll do everything possible to race on Sunday," he reiterated, embodying the spirit of determination typical of elite athletes facing adversity.
While the ski community holds its breath, it’s certain Clément Noël's drive and passion for the sport will push him forward, whether or not he races this weekend. The world watches closely, eager to see how he navigates this challenging moment and hopefully returns to the slopes stronger than ever.
