Skiing star in intensive care after horrifying crash
A horror high-speed crash has rocked the world of downhill skiing.
Marc Gisin was airlifted to hospital after being knocked unconscious at the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup meeting in Italy over the weekend.
The 30-year-old lost control before a jump midway down, flew into the air and landed awkwardly on his side and back, right in the middle of the Saslong course’s famous camel bumps.
He was then bumped into the air again and the back of his head hit the snow in a second impact.
He was lying motionless on the course before doctors and trainers arrived for assistance.
A rescue helicopter landed on the snow and took off for the hospital in nearby Bolzano with Gisin onboard after he had received treatment for almost a half-hour.
The Swiss Olympian has avoided serious damage to his skull and spine but remains in intensive care.
Gisin’s condition improved sufficiently for him to be flown back to his homeland on Saturday for further medical examinations.
It was revealed on Sunday the 30-year-old suffered fractures to the ribs as well as damage to his lungs, hip and non-serious fractures to the spine.
A Swiss-Ski statement read: “The studies at the Lucerne Cantonal Hospital of Saturday evening and today showed that Marc Gisin’s general condition continues to stabilise.
“He communicates directly with the doctors and his closest relatives but is currently still intubated.
“MRI and CT examinations in the skull area thankfully showed no serious injuries. Very painful for him are several rib fractures on the right, which also resulted in injuries to the lungs.
“Apart from a slightly damaged hip socket, the pelvis is unharmed. Fortunately, the back remained undamaged except for some non-serious fractures to the spine.
“For optimal monitoring and support, Marc Gisin will remain hospitalised for the time being in the intensive care unit.”
Gisin already had a concussion following a crash in Kitzbuehel, Austria, in 2015.
His best career results are two fifth-place finishes in the Kitzbuehel downhill last season and in 2016.
Gisin’s sisters are both highly successful skiers.
Dominique Gisin won gold in downhill at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, and Michelle Gisin won combined at the Pyeongchang Games in February.
with agencies