William Bostadloekken
20-year-old ski professional paralyzed after accident
A serious fall causes freestyle skiers William Bostadloekken is paralyzed from the chest down. The 20-year-old announced the shocking news on Instagram.
During a training ride during the World Cup weekend in Colorado, William Bostadloekken suddenly lost his bearings in the air. The freestyle skier hit the ground with full force with his head and back and had to be immediately flown to a hospital and operated on.
Two weeks after the serious training accident, it is clear how serious the 20-year-old Norwegian’s injuries are. He not only suffered fractures to various ribs, his shoulder and two vertebrae. Bostadloekken shared via Instagram that he has also become paraplegic since the fall.
William Bostadloekken looks forward despite his paralysis
“Writing this breaks my heart,” explained the ski talent. Although the operation was successful, he is now at risk Thoracic vertebrae paralyzed downwards. Bostadloekken, who is back in Norway, posted a picture of himself in his hospital bed.
Despite the shock diagnosis, the freestyle rider remains combative. In rehab he wants to “give everything I have.” He even dreams of being on skis again someday: “Skiing is my greatest passion, my elixir of life. I will do everything to return and that incredible feeling of jibbing (Performing jumps and tricks on skis, editor’s note) to experience again.” He thanked his family and his girlfriend for their support.
At the same time, he is aware: “It definitely won’t be easy. It will be the biggest challenge of my life. It’s not sure if it’s possible, but I refuse to ever give up. I will always fight.”
In freestyle, riders present acrobatic, technical and creative elements on skis. Bostadloekken was considered a promising Norwegian talent in the sport. He completed his last competition for the time being in Innsbruck in November. In the World Cup in 2024 he achieved twelfth place as his best placement.
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