BORMIO, Italy — A men’s World Cup Super-G race unfolded with great anticipation on Sunday, but it took a harrowing turn within mere seconds of the start. Swiss skier Gino Caviezel, the first competitor to take on the Stelvio slope, suffered a severe crash, causing immediate concern and stirring discussions surrounding safety on this treacherous course.
The race commenced at 11:30 AM, with Caviezel launching himself down the challenging track. Just 48 seconds later, tragedy struck as he lost his right ski after hitting a gate too forcefully. Reports indicate he skidded for several hundred meters before coming to rest, visibly injured and waving for help, all the time grasping at his knee.
This dramatic scene unfolded on the ski course set to host events during the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, raising alarm bells among fans and athletes alike about the overall safety of the competition. The race was halted immediately as medical personnel rushed to assist Caviezel. He was later transported by helicopter to the hospital for treatment.
The incident brought to light the dangers of the Bormio slope, known for its steep drops and fast speeds, which can reach up to 140 km/h. Caviezel was not alone; this crash followed another troubling incident just days prior when French skier Cyprien Sarrazin suffered from a serious fall during training. His situation was severe enough to require surgery for a subdural hematoma, after which he was placed in a medically induced coma. Fortunately, he has since regained consciousness and is reported to be recovering.
The series of accidents—three skiers requiring medical evacuation including Caviezel—has sparked heated discussions about the suitability of the Bormio slope for World Cup events, particularly with the Winter Olympics on the horizon. "It’s not correct to have to start under such conditions. They don’t know how to prepare the slope," commented Nils Allègre, Sarrazin's teammate, during Eurosport's coverage of the World Cup events, emphasizing the athletes' safety concerns.
Commenting on the grueling conditions faced by the athletes, Olympian Marco Odermatt remarked, "You come here and know it's not going to be Christmas holidays. It’s a survival fight." His words resonate amid growing scrutiny over the track’s design and maintenance leading up to the prestigious Olympic event.
Despite the promise of Olympic glory, the realities at Bormio cannot be ignored. Caviezel's crash is the latest case amplifying fears about athlete safety at this high-stakes competition. The race was momentarily paused as Caviezel received aid, and competitors watched anxiously from the sidelines, many preparing their runs for the event.
While Caviezel's situation is being carefully monitored, the Super-G event eventually resumed after approximately 20 minutes of delay, though it’s clear the specter of injury loomed heavily over the remaining competitors. Vincent Kriechmayr, visibly shaken, was seen commenting on the horrific event: "Ah, sch***e!" as he viewed the incident replay on his phone.
Such incidents have led to calls for more stringent safety measures for the athletes. Skiing, inherently dangerous, can lead to catastrophic injuries, but many experts and athletes believe proactive changes must be made—especially as the 2026 Winter Olympics approach. Tackling the pressing issue at hand, the use of protective systems such as airbags integrated with back protectors highlights the need for advances in skier safety equipment.
The Bormio Ski Resort and its organizers face mounting pressure to reassess the track's layout and preparation protocol to safeguard skiers during the World Cup and, more critically, at the Olympics where the stakes are significantly higher. Athletes and their teams are calling for urgent reviews and possible redesigns to minimize risk and promote health at these elite competitions.
While updates on Caviezel’s condition are awaited, and discussions continue about the future of the Bormio slope, one thing is clear: the path to the Olympics must prioritize the safety of athletes above all. With the world watching, ensuring the well-being of these competitors is as important as the medals they aim to win.