The Bormio super-G race was marred by a serious crash involving Swiss skier Gino Caviezel. Caviezel, starting first, missed a gate, lost a ski, and slid down the slope, sustaining a suspected knee injury. He was airlifted to the hospital.The incident caused a 20-minute delay in the race, which was ultimately won by Norwegian Fredrik Møller, a relative newcomer to the World Cup circuit. Romed Baumann was the top German finisher in 24th place, while Simon Jocher, who placed 13th in Saturday’s downhill, was absent due to a bruised heel bone. Further examinations will determine the severity of the injury.
The crash reignited discussions about safety in alpine skiing,particularly in light of the severe crash suffered by French skier cyprien Sarrazin during Friday’s training. Sarrazin underwent surgery for a brain hemorrhage and, while regaining consciousness, remains hospitalized for observation.
The mandatory use of airbags in downhill and super-G events, introduced this season by the FIS, has been a subject of debate. While the rule aims to enhance skier safety, exemptions are granted for valid medical, technical, or physiological reasons. Many skiers utilize this exemption, citing concerns about restricted movement or unanswered questions regarding airbag deployment malfunctions and potential injury liability.
Meanwhile, German skier Lena Dürr secured her second podium finish of the season, placing second in the slalom at Semmering, Austria. Croatian Zrinka Ljutic, who showed promise towards the end of last season, claimed her maiden World Cup victory with a 1.75-second lead. Local favorite Katharina Liensberger finished third, while Dürr’s teammate Emma Aicher placed eighth.
Dürr, the 2023 World Championship bronze medalist, is a key hope for the German alpine team, especially given the struggles of slalom teammate Linus Straßer this season. Dürr secured a third-place finish in Levi, Finland, the first slalom of the winter, but has yet to capitalize on the absence of injured stars Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) and Petra Vlhova (Slovakia) to claim a victory.
The Price of Speed: A Conversation on Safety in Alpine Skiing with Olympic Champion, Tina Maze
As alpine skiing continues to thrill fans worldwide with its breathtaking speed and technical prowess, it also raises pressing questions about the inherent risks involved.
Following the recent crashes involving Swiss skier Gino Caviezel and French skier Cyprien Sarrazin, the conversation around safety measures has reached a fever pitch. To shed light on this complex issue, we sat down with Olympic champion and alpine skiing legend, Tina Maze.
Moderator: tina, the world watched in horror as Gino Caviezel’s crash brought the Bormio super-G to a standstill. Seeing these incidents brings back difficult memories for many, including yourself. What are your thoughts on the current state of safety in the sport?
Tina Maze: It’s undeniably a dangerous sport. We push ourselves to the absolute limit, and sometiems, things go wrong despite our best efforts. While I think safety measures have evolved significantly over the years, what happened to Gino is a stark reminder that there’s always room for advancement.
Moderator: over the years, we’ve seen the introduction of airbags – a controversial measure aimed at mitigating the impact of crashes. Yet, exemptions are granted to many skiers, and some even express concerns about potential malfunctions. What’s your stance on mandatory airbags in downhill and super-G events?
Tina Maze: It’s a complex issue. I understand the concerns athletes have about restricted movement and potential complications with deployment. However, I firmly believe that prioritizing safety should be paramount. We need continued testing, fine-tuning, and obvious interaction to address these concerns and build confidence in the system.
Moderator: Some argue that individual responsibility should play a bigger role in mitigating risk, while others believe stricter regulations are necessary. Where do you draw the line?
Tina Maze: It’s a delicate balance. Skiers are ultimately responsible for their decisions on the slope, but the governing bodies have a duty to create the safest possible environment.
Moderator: On a brighter note,let’s celebrate Lena Dürr’s notable podium finish at Semmering. this young German skier seems to be making a strong mark this season, especially considering the absence of giants like Mikaela Shiffrin and Petra Vlhova. What do you see as her potential?
Tina Maze: Lena is an immensely talented skier. She has the technical skills, mental fortitude, and work ethic to succeed at the highest level. It’s great to see her seizing this opportunity and blossoming on the World Cup stage.
Moderator: Your journey to becoming an Olympic champion was truly inspiring. What advice would you give to young skiers who aspire to reach the pinnacle of the sport?
Tina Maze: Believe in yourself, work relentlessly, never give up, and always strive to improve. Remember, the journey is just as significant as the destination.
We want to know your thoughts!
Do you believe mandatory airbags are the way forward in alpine skiing, or are there other, more effective ways to improve safety? How much responsibility should individual skiers bear versus the governing bodies? Share your opinions in the comments below.
