Alpine Skiing World Cup: Elian Lehto in ICU, Luis Vogt's Season Over

The last few days in the Alpine Skiing World Cup have been marked by tragic accidents and painful team decisions. The most serious incident occurred on the legendary Kandahar course in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. During official downhill training, Finnish skier Elian Lehto lost control of his skis and crashed into the safety nets at high speed. The athlete was immediately airlifted to a hospital, where doctors decided to place him in the intensive care unit. The Finn's condition is described as serious, sparking a debate about safety on the world's most difficult courses. Another blow for the skiing community is the injury to Luis Vogt. The German downhill skier, who had high hopes for his home event, suffered a torn cruciate ligament in his knee. This diagnosis means an immediate end to his starts in the current season. A well-known German downhill record holder is also suggesting retirement after the season ends, which may herald a generational change in the squad of our western neighbors. Meanwhile, in ski jumping, there is a stalemate after the Olympics – German athletes failed to reach the podium in recent competitions. The Kandahar course in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is considered one of the most technically demanding on the FIS calendar, characterized by extreme steepness and numerous icy patches. A bright spot in the recent competitions was the performance of the women's elite in Soldeu. Italian skier Sofia Goggia took third place in the downhill, confirming her high form despite health issues in the team. Federica Brignone decided to return for the super-G start, although her statements are shockingly frank. The champion admitted that every day is torture for her due to pain, and a full recovery is impossible, which also leads her to consider retirement. „Ogni giorno è una tortura. Non guarirò mai completamente.” (Every day is a torture. I will never fully recover.) — Federica Brignone