Industry News
French ski racer David Poisson died today from injuries sustained in a training crash in Nakiska ski resort, Canada today.
David was 35-years-old.
“The federation, join the pain of his loved ones in these particularly difficult times.” – French skiing federation, today
“Can’t believe the tragic news. A great guy who was always either charging or smiling.” – 4-time Olympic skier Chemmy Alcott said of David Poisson on Twitter today
David was training for the upcoming World Cup events in North America at the time of his crash today.
David was nicknamed “Caillou” (small stone) for his small, stocky physique.
According to Matt Mosteller with the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, who operates Nakiska, the course where David’s accident occurred was a private race training course only for World Cup athletes.
“They take care of their own training, they set their own courses, they do everything themselves. They’re high level athletes preparing for what they do best.
“It’s just horrible that this has happened and really our hearts are torn apart by it and our thoughts and prayers are with his family in France.” – Matt Mosteller
David got the downhill bronze medal at the 2013 World Championships and came in 7th place in downhill in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
David finished 16th in the downhill in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and was hoping to qualify for the 2018 Winter Olymipcs in Peongchang.
David’s only World Cup podium came in 2015 when he earned 3rd place in the Santa Caterina, Italy downhill.
David debuted on the World Cup circuit in 2004.
David Poisson’s death comes 16-years after super-G world champion Regine Cavgnoud (French) died in Austria due to a traumatic brain injury sustained in a collision during training.
World Cup downhill ski racers often hit speeds as high as 80mph.
“There is no word for that. Eliminating risk entirely in downhill is impossible.” – French downhiller Luc Alphand told L’Equipe newspaper
