Men’s Downhill: Austrian Ski Racer Marco Schwarz out for Rest of Season After Devastating Crash in Bormio, Italy

The Austrian Ski Association ‘Ski Austria’ announced today, December 28, 2023, that their ski racer Marco Schwarz has suffered a cruciate ligament and internal meniscus tear as well as cartilage damage during a crash during today’s Men’s Downhill race in Bormio, Italy. The Austrian had slipped away after the second timing point and hit the safety nets at high speed. After he freed himself from the nets, Schwarz signaled to staff on course that he needed assistance. Ultimately, the athlete was flown to  hospital by helicopter after his crash on the icy downhill race course in Bormio. 

It is a devastating blow for Schwarz, who had been leading the FIS Overall Men’s Standings after a successful start to the 23/24 World Cup season. He was the largest rival for Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt who was on the tails of the Austrian in hopes of reclaiming last year’s Overall Crystal Globe.

The extent of the knee injuries means that Schwarz will be out for a long time. Schwarz had set himself the goal of beating Odermatt this season and odds were in his favor after winning the Slalom in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy, earlier this month, and coming second in three other Slalom races thus far, making the injury evern more devastating. The all-rounder had planned to start in as many races as possible. He is one of a few top athletes who compete and place in the top 10 across both tech and speed disciplines. In the overall World Cup ranking he was leading ahead of Marco Odermatt by 10 points before today’s crash.

The race was won by France’s Cyprien Sarazin who narrowly beat Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt by 0.09 seconds. Without Schwarz, those two skiers were in a league of their own, with third-placed Cameron Alexander from Canada more than a second behind them. Favorite Aleksander Aamodt Kilde from Norway skidded out on a sharp turn when a rock damaged his ski’s edge. 

Best U.S. skier was Wiley Maple, who placed 12th today. The American races as an independent skier, having a great come-back at the age of 33 after several setbacks and injuries which required several surgeries including a spinal fusion. The only other American to earn FIS points was Jared Goldberg who finished in 27th.