Hans Olsson broke his leg in the European Cup Finals downhill competition in La Thuile (ITA) today (March 15).

Olsson crashed heavily half way down the track after hitting a bump in the snow and falling backwards. Preliminary examinations indicated a broken shin bone and fibula of his right leg. He was transported to Hospital in Aosta for further examination.

"It was simply bad luck. Hans was skiing well when he hit a snow bump and the inner ski cut in. He fell backwards and got bounced around," said the speed coach Helmuth Krug.

Krug said the athlete was in great pain, but said, "Despite the situation, he was in relatively good mood."

Olsson plans to travel to Innsbruck as soon as possible for an operation.

Mattia Casse of Italy won the race over Christian Spescha of Switzerland. Austrian Johannes Kroell claimed the Europa Cup DH title.