Romar in last season’s Kvitfjell World Cup (GEPA/Christopher Kelemen)

Ski Sport Finland reported that alpine star Andreas Romar has not recovered from a heel injury sustained in a training run crash at Lake Louise on schedule. Romar missed the Beaver Creek races and was then supposed to rest for three additional weeks, ruling out the January classics in Wengen and Kitzbuehel. On a modified schedule, Romar then hoped to return in time for Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Another setback caused Romar to have a follow-up MRI at the German national team clinic in Munich, where it was revealed that his injury is not healing.

“We decided to go to the German national team clinic in Munich to ask for their position, and then there came a drastic decision time: 12 weeks forced to rest,” said Romar. “Stupid decisions should not be made at this stage of my career. Sometimes you have to think about more than just profit. … Kitzbuehel, Wengen and other classic World Cups are contested in the coming seasons, and next year is the World Championships in Vail.”

A 12-week break effectively ends Romar’s season and 2014 Olympic bid. However, the timing of the injury enabled him to freeze his points and ranking, so he will start the 2014-2015 season in the same position as this year. For now, Romar is focused on rehabilitation and using crutches to keep weight off the foot so it can heal properly.

Release courtesy of Ski Sport Finland