The safety concerns in World Cup skiing have surfaced earlier than usual this season, triggered by the tragic death of Italian skier Matteo Franzoso during preseason training in Chile. The incident has reignited discussions on minimizing risks in the high-speed sport well before the racing season typically commences. Franzoso, aged 25, became the third talented Italian skier to pass away within a year, following the deaths of Matilde Lorenzi, Marco Degli Uomini, and Margot Simond in separate accidents. The fatalities have prompted calls for enhanced safety measures, with veteran skiers like Adrien Theaux and Christof Innerhofer urging for stricter protocols to prevent further tragedies.
Franzoso’s fatal crash at La Parva involved breaching multiple safety barriers before colliding with another fence outside the designated course, leading to severe head injuries. Despite swift medical attention, he succumbed to cranial trauma and brain swelling, casting a somber shadow over the skiing community. The incident has prompted soul-searching within the sport, with Innerhofer, profoundly affected by the loss of his teammate, choosing to cut short his training camp and return home to Italy.
In response to the recent tragedies, there have been renewed calls for the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) to play a more active role in ensuring the safety of preseason training courses, particularly in the southern hemisphere. The Italian federation has proposed the establishment of dedicated training facilities with advanced safety measures to mitigate risks for athletes. Additionally, mandatory protective gear such as airbag systems and cut-resistant underwear have been made compulsory for all World Cup skiers to enhance their safety during races.
As preparations continue for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics, concerns linger over the safety of competition venues, given the history of serious accidents at sites like Bormio and Cortina d’Ampezzo. With the new season set to kick off in Sölden, Austria, the skiing community remains vigilant about prioritizing athlete safety and minimizing the inherent risks associated with alpine skiing.
