Michelle Gisin crash prompts safety concerns after St Moritz fall

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Michelle Gisin was airlifted from the St Moritz downhill course after a high-speed crash during Thursday’s World Cup training session. The 32-year-old Swiss skier lost control while entering a fast left-hand turn and slid into the safety nets as she approached speeds over 110km/h.

Despite the dramatic crash, early reports indicate she was conscious as medical staff evaluated her condition. Cuts and visible scratches could be seen on her face, but no official injury update has been released.

Third Swiss Olympic Champion to Crash in a Month

Gisin’s fall adds to a troubling trend for the Swiss women’s Alpine ski team. She is now the third reigning Olympic champion to crash in training within a month:

• Lara Gut-Behrami tore her ACL in Colorado, ruling her out for the Olympic season.
• Corinne Suter sustained calf, knee, and foot injuries in St Moritz and remains out of action for weeks.

With these setbacks, Gisin has become the senior figure in Switzerland’s speed squad heading toward the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.

Training Halted as Lindsey Vonn Was Already on the Course

American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn, who had already started her own practice run, was stopped temporarily while Gisin received medical care. Vonn resumed training shortly afterward and had been the fastest skier in the earlier session on Wednesday.

Growing Concerns About Safety in High-Speed Alpine Skiing

Gisin’s crash arrives amid escalating concerns about safety in women’s Alpine skiing. The debate intensified after the tragic death of Italian skier Matteo Franzoso in Chile earlier this year.
Top athletes, including Mikaela Shiffrin, have spoken out about the unpredictable risks of training conditions, with Shiffrin warning that “sometimes the conditions are simply too dangerous to control.”

My take: As speed increases and competition tightens, the sport’s governing bodies may need to revisit training protocols, safety rules, and course preparation to protect athletes while maintaining the sport’s challenging nature.

Looking Ahead to Milan Cortina 2026

The 2026 Olympics are just weeks away, with the women’s Alpine events set to begin on February 6 in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Switzerland, boasting seven Olympic medals across its women’s team, hopes its athletes can recover and return to peak form before the Games.

Gisin, known for her resilience and strong performances in Alpine combined events, will likely undergo further evaluation before her next steps are announced.