ADELBODEN, Switzerland – American skier Tommy Ford was airlifted to hospital after crashing in giant slalom at the World Cup on Saturday.
Ford crashed three gates to the finish after going wide off the track in the rough snow. His skis touched and he fell forward, neck and left shoulder first down the hill.
The US ski team later said that Ford’s head and neck injuries are minor and resolve well. He has a knee injury that is under further evaluation. “
Ford knocked over a track worker before stopping near safety nets next to the finish. He initially lay still with his face against the snow, but soon regained consciousness and was talking to medical personnel.
A helicopter landed 20 minutes later along the track to transport the 31-year-old racer, who is from Bend, Oregon.
Ford has one giant slalom win and two more podium finishes in 12 seasons on the World Cup circuit. He wore starting number 4 on Saturday as one of the best-placed racers after top-10 finishes in his past four starts.
Ford’s next planned giant slalom is in six weeks – on February 19 at the World Championships in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.