World champion skier Daniel Albrecht has been left in a coma after smashing into the ground from 70 metres up during downhill training.
Albrecht - the reigning champion in the combined - mistimed his jump, which led to an uncontrolled flight and a horrific fall onto the hard piste in Kitzbuehel, Austria. The crash happened during his last training run before the World Cup.
Doctors rushed to his side and, after 25 minutes of treatment, Daniel was airlifted to hospital in a helicopter. He suffered serious brain injuries and was put into an induced coma.
Albrecht - the reigning champion in the combined - mistimed his jump, which led to an uncontrolled flight and a horrific fall onto the hard piste in Kitzbuehel, Austria. The crash happened during his last training run before the World Cup.
Doctors rushed to his side and, after 25 minutes of treatment, Daniel was airlifted to hospital in a helicopter. He suffered serious brain injuries and was put into an induced coma.
American skier Scott McCartney survived a serious crash in the same spot last year. After his accident the race management centre reacted, in agreement with the skiers and their coaches, by lowering the jump and making sure it had clearer markings.
Austrian skier Michael Walchhofer only just avoided a crash himself during his first training session in the same spot.
