Slovene speed specialist Sporn tears Achilles tendon

Last week during a downhill FIS race in Krvavec, Slovenian speed specialist Andrej Sporn suffered a torn Achilles tendon and underwent surgery soon after the crash.

The 33-year-old from Kranjska Gora, who has stood on the World Cup podium just once in his career after finishing second at the prestigious Kitzbuehel downhill in 2010, has struggled to repeat a similar feat ever since. In the last two seasons, Sporn has been able to score World Cup points on only two occasions, finishing 20th and 30th in Beaver Creek 2013 and Kitzbuehel 2014, respectively.

“Following a first evaluation, it became clear there was an Achilles tendon rupture. After a consultation, it was decided to do the surgery the same day. Andrej will have to undergo three months of rehabilitation before he will be able to start with lighter trainings and the next season shouldn’t be compromised,” team doctor Anže Kristan told Slovenian news portal Ekipa24.si.

Sporn is disappointed the season had to end with an injury, especially in a downhill he knows well and should not have presented any challenges for a skier with his  experience.

“I’m quite OK. I feel a little silly that this happened to me on Krvavec in such downhill. This, however is not such a tragedy, so I’m not pessimistic. Now I have to test for five weeks rest and then do the rehabilitation. I look forward to a positive new season,” Sporn said while awaiting surgery.

Release courtesy of FIS