Bitter news has struck the Swiss skiing community following the serious injury of Josua Mettler during downhill training on the Stelvio piste in Bormio. The 26-year-old alpine skier experienced catastrophic injuries to both knees, which were confirmed after medical examinations at the Hirslanden Clinic in Zurich.
According to Swiss Ski, Mettler suffered tears to the anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, and medial meniscus of both knees. "An operation on both knee joints is unavoidable and is already scheduled for next week," stated Walter O. Frey, the team's doctor, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The incident occurred during abfahrt training on Friday, where Mettler, who was seen initially getting up and skiing to the finish line, started experiencing intense knee pain shortly after. Unfortunately, checks revealed he had sustained severe injuries. This incident marks the end of his season, which follows his victory as the overall winner of the European Cup.
The Bormio courses have seen their fair share of tragedy, not just with Mettler but also with fellow competitors. Cyprien Sarrazin of France suffered a serious fall at the same spot and was helicoptered off the mountain with significant head injuries, including a subdural hematoma. He has since had surgery and is currently recovering.
Italian athlete Pietro Zazzi also faced disaster during the same training session, suffering fractures to both his shin and calf. These incidents, occurring on the notoriously treacherous Stelvio piste, have raised alarm bells about the conditions of the racecourse. "The track is dangerously unsafe," noted one athlete, echoing frustrations with the preparation of racing courses.
Mettler's injuries join the unsettling trend of severe incidents among elite skiers, bringing attention back to the underlying risks of the sport. This fall, both athletes and regulators are now re-evaluated the handling of dangerous courses leading up to major events such as the World Cup competitions.
With the next Olympic events scheduled to take place on the Stelvio piste come February 2026, there are increasing calls for improvements and heightened safety measures to prevent such occurrences from reoccurring.
Swiss Ski has expressed deep concern for all their athletes involved, stating they are working diligently to support recovery and rehabilitation processes for those injured. "A serious undertaking lies before us to reestablish safety standards on our pistes," said the Swiss Ski Federation following the incidents.
Despite the optimism shared by Mettler's teammates and supporters, the road to recovery will be long and difficult. Mettler will require extensive rehabilitation following his surgery, and his team will have to contend with the emotional and physical repercussions of his absence throughout the rest of the competitive season.
Meanwhile, the sporting community—a network of shared experiences, triumphs, and setbacks—rallies around their injured peers, extending heartfelt wishes for swift recoveries with hashtags like #getwellsoon becoming prominent across social media platforms.
Josua Mettler's determination and spirit, evident throughout his career, will undoubtedly play a significant role as he navigates the recovery pathway. Yet, the incidents at Bormio serve as sobering reminders of the inherent risks facing ski racers, as they push their limits on demanding courses.
Following his impending surgery, Mettler's focus will shift to rehabilitation and getting back on the slopes, highlighting yet again the strength required to return to competitive skiing after such traumatic injuries.
While the skiing season may have come to a premature end for Mettler, the sporting community continues to hope for not only his recovery but also for improved safety measures to protect their athletes during intense training and competition scenarios.