St. Moritz, Switzerland — The global skiing community is reeling after elite skiing sensation Luca Meier sustained a broken neck in a devastating accident during a training run in the Swiss Alps.
The 27-year-old Swiss athlete, a two-time World Cup champion and Olympic silver medalist, was preparing for the upcoming Alpine Skiing World Championships when tragedy struck. Witnesses say Meier lost control during a downhill descent, colliding forcefully with the protective barriers at a dangerous turn.
Paramedics arrived within minutes and airlifted Meier to the University Hospital of Zurich. Doctors have confirmed a fracture to the cervical spine, though fortunately, there is no immediate evidence of spinal cord damage. Meier remains in stable condition but will be under intensive medical care for the foreseeable future.
“This is a serious injury, but we are hopeful,” said Dr. Erika Lang, the team’s medical director. “The fact that there was no paralysis is incredibly fortunate. Right now, our focus is on his recovery.”
Messages of support have poured in from around the world. Fellow skier Mikaela Shiffrin posted on Instagram, “Luca is one of the most talented and resilient athletes I’ve ever met. We’re all behind him.”
The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, but early reports suggest icy patches on the course may have contributed.
Luca Meier has long been considered one of the sport’s brightest stars, known for his fearless speed and technical precision. His injury is a heartbreaking reminder of the inherent risks in high-level skiing.
There is no current timeline for his return to the sport, as his team remains focused on his health and recovery.
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