Gino Caviezel, the Swiss skier, faced severe injuries during the Super-G race at Bormio, prompting his helicopter evacuation from the scene. The incident occurred when Caviezel, starting with bib number one, crashed approximately 50 seconds after his run began, getting caught on a gate before the San-Pietro jump. This mishap resulted in him falling hard, rolling down the slope, and requiring immediate medical assistance.
Witnesses reported Caviezel signaling for help soon after the crash, indicating he was conscious but needed urgent medical attention. Preliminary reports from Swiss-Ski confirmed serious injuries: he dislocated his right shoulder and sustained complex damage to his right knee. Following initial treatment at the site, he was airlifted to a nearby hospital for more comprehensive examinations to determine the full extent of his injuries.
This unfortunate event did not occur in isolation. Earlier during the weekend, several other skiers suffered serious accidents on the same course. Notably, Italian skier Pietro Zazzi suffered complicated fractures to his right leg, and Swiss skier Josua Mettler damaged his knees significantly, cutting their season short as they required surgical intervention.
The atmosphere among skiers was tense and reflective, particularly for Marco Odermatt, who finished fifth but expressed concerns about the risky conditions they faced after witnessing Caviezel’s crash. “It’s definitely too much happened this week to go down with full risk,” he stated post-race, acknowledging the emotional weight athletes carry when accidents occur on the slopes.
The Super-G race came under additional scrutiny following both the accidents on the previous day’s training runs and Caviezel’s collapse. While the winners, Fredrik Möller and third-place finisher Alexis Monney celebrated their achievements, the specter of injury loomed large over the event. Monney had previously secured victory the day before and was now back on the podium, contrasting with the somber concerns for their fellow competitors.
Reports indicate Caviezel could be flown to Zurich for more thorough examinations after initial care, but no definitive timeline has been released concerning his recovery. Given his previous injuries, this incident raises questions about the sport’s safety protocols and the pressures athletes face.
The Bormio Super-G has gained notoriety for its treacherous conditions, and this race weekend was no exception. Both competitors and fans are left waiting anxiously for updates on Caviezel’s status, as well as reflecting on the recent run of bad luck many skiers have faced.
With safety measures and rigorous training routines aimed at preventing such incidents, the question remains: what more needs to be done to protect athletes on the slopes? Only time will tell as the skiing community rallies behind injured athletes and looks toward recovery.