Italian Racer in Vital Situation After Crash
Ski racing followers once more face concern for an athlete’s well being. Italian velocity specialist Matteo Franzoso crashed throughout coaching in La Parva, Chile, and suffered extreme head trauma. First responders handled him on the slope earlier than a helicopter flew him to a hospital in Santiago. Franzoso, who turns 26 on Tuesday, now stays in intensive care in an induced coma, in keeping with the Italian Winter Sports activities Federation (FISI).
Particulars of the Accident
Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Franzoso crashed after a bounce, slid below the security internet, and hit a windbreak or avalanche barrier behind it. Skinews.ch confirmed the knowledge, citing his situation as “crucial.” FISI officers stated their Medical Fee is in direct contact with Chilean docs and can present updates when accessible. Italian media additionally reported that Franzoso’s mother and father are touring to Chile.
Franzoso’s Profession
Franzoso raced in 4 World Cup downhills and three World Cup super-Gs final season. He scored World Cup factors as soon as, ending thirtieth within the Crans Montana super-G. On the 2020 Junior World Championships in Narvik, Norway, he completed fourth within the downhill, simply two hundredths of a second off the rostrum.
Current Comparable Accidents
Franzoso’s crash follows different current head accidents in ski racing. In December 2024, French skier Cyprien Sarrazin crashed throughout downhill coaching in Bormio. He sustained a subdural hematoma and required an induced coma, however he has since resumed coaching and plans to return in 2026–27.
Czech racer Tereza Nova suffered much more critical accidents in Garmisch earlier this yr. Docs saved her in an induced coma for weeks after she sustained traumatic mind accidents, bleeding, a carotid artery damage, and a fractured eye socket. Nova, now in a wheelchair and partially paralyzed on her left aspect, continues to struggle to stroll once more—and hopes at some point to ski once more.
