Skiers Horror Crash On 2026 Olympics Slope Leaves Fans Gobsmacked

BORMIO, Italy (AP) — French standout Cyprien Sarrazin was one of two skiers airlifted to a hospital on Friday after crashing during training for a World Cup downhill race in Bormio. Pietro Zazzi of Italy was also taken to a hospital by helicopter.

The incident occurred on the slope that will be used for the 2026 Olympics, raising concerns about the safety of the course. Both Sarrazin and Zazzi were competing in the training session for the downhill event, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday.

According to eyewitnesses, Sarrazin lost control while navigating a difficult section of the course and crashed into the safety netting. Zazzi, on the other hand, appeared to have fallen after catching an edge on a turn.

The medical team was quickly on the scene, and both skiers were stabilized before being airlifted to the hospital. The extent of their injuries is not yet known, but officials say they are being treated for non-life-threatening conditions.

The incident has sparked debate about the safety of the course, with some skiers expressing concerns about the steepness and difficulty of certain sections. However, officials say that the course has been carefully designed and tested to ensure the safety of all competitors.

Despite the setback, the World Cup downhill event is still scheduled to take place on Saturday, with a number of top skiers expected to compete. The 2026 Olympics are also expected to go ahead as planned, with the downhill event being one of the most highly anticipated events.

Sarrazin and Zazzi are both experienced skiers, with numerous World Cup starts between them. Sarrazin has been a consistent performer on the World Cup circuit, while Zazzi has been making a name for himself as a rising star in the Italian ski team.

The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in downhill skiing, where speeds can reach over 80mph and the margin for error is small. Despite the risks, skiers like Sarrazin and Zazzi continue to push themselves to the limit, driven by their passion for the sport and their desire to succeed at the highest level.