Elena Fanchini’s Season Halted due to Medical Issues

Clinical tests carried out by the Italian Ski Federation’s Medical Committee on Elena Fanchini have revealed a low-grade neoplasm that can be treated. A neoplasm is “an abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should,” according to the National Cancer Institute. The Italian is sidelined while undergoing the necessary treatments.

“I’m doing all the appropriate exams at the Humanitas clinic. I’ll take care of it, and my intention is to go back skiing next year,” the Italian athlete shared.

In a post on her Facebook page yesterday, she wrote, “It’s not easy because I think of all the sacrifices, the fatigue, the goals of the season, the Olympics and my dreams. Everything slips away like rain. This is life, you never know what can happen, but I don’t give up, I face this new challenge with so much strength and courage to come back stronger and fulfill my dreams.”

The eldest of the Fanchini sisters boasts the silver medal in downhill from the 2005 World Championships in Bormio, and two World Cup wins in downhill from Lake Louise and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Release courtesy of the Italian Ski Federation