Swiss Ski Provides Update on Marc Gisin

Swiss speed skier Marc Gisin fell heavily in the World Cup downhill in Val Gardena, Italy, on Saturday. Gisin came down after a roll just before the iconic Camel Jumps and was thrown in the air and hit the icy track incredibly hard on his head and abdomen.

Gisin was flown by helicopter to the hospital in Bolzano after first aid was administered on the slope. His condition was deemed stable enough that on Saturday evening he could be flown back to Switzerland for further evaluations.

The examinations in Lucerne Cantonal Hospital on Saturday evening and Sunday morning showed that Gisin’s general condition continues to stabilize. He communicates directly with the doctors and close relatives, but is currently still intubated. Fortunately, both MRI and CT scans on the skull showed no serious injury. However, Gisin did suffer several very painful rib fractures on the right side, which have also injured the lungs. Except for a slightly dented acetabulum, the pelvis is uninjured. Fortunately, his back escaped serious injury except for a few, non-serious fractures on the spine.

Gisin was wearing a back protector but not an airbag vest at the time of his crash.

For optimal monitoring and care, Gisin will remain hospitalized for the time being in the intensive care unit at the Lucerne Cantonal Hospital.

Release courtesy of Swiss Ski.