After experiencing a frightening crash, Mikaela Shiffrin returned to skiing with a heightened awareness of the risks associated with training courses. The American athlete, who suffered injuries including a puncture wound to her abdomen and severe damage to her abdominal muscles during a World Cup giant slalom race, emphasized the potential dangers of training as well.
Shiffrin, a two-time Olympic champion, emphasized the need to assess the level of danger in training conditions where variables are difficult to control. French skier Alexis Pinturault echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the unsafe training environments that athletes often encounter.
The tragic death of World Cup racer Matteo Franzoso in a preseason training crash in Chile has reignited discussions about safety in Alpine skiing, particularly with the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics. Franzoso’s fatal accident, which involved crashing through safety fencing and sustaining cranial trauma, underscored the life-threatening risks that skiers face.
Shiffrin, a dominant force in skiing with numerous accolades, acknowledged grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder after her crash. She stressed the importance of recognizing and mitigating risks rather than accepting them as inherent to the sport.
The lack of stringent safety standards on training courses, compared to race courses, poses a significant concern. Limited safety measures, such as fewer safety nets and medical resources, leave athletes vulnerable during training sessions.
Italian skier Sofia Goggia likened ski racing to extreme motorsports, emphasizing the constant risk involved due to high speeds. While safety nets are prevalent in race courses, their absence on training slopes raises pertinent safety questions.
In response to the recent tragedies, calls have been made for enhanced safety measures on training courses. The Italian Winter Sports Federation has urged for dedicated training courses with improved safety infrastructure, mirroring those found in World Cup races.
FIS President Johan Eliasch highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance safety standards, including increased medical support and safety netting. However, challenges remain in implementing uniform safety measures across training courses due to financial constraints.
The issue of funding safety upgrades on training courses remains a topic of discussion. While leading nations like Austria and Switzerland have the resources to invest in safety, smaller federations may require support from organizations like FIS to improve training conditions.
Athletes and coaches are hopeful for collaborative efforts to enhance safety standards on training slopes, emphasizing the need for tangible actions rather than mere discussions.