Dixon down after Copper crash
Canadian Alpine Ski Team veteran Robbie Dixon suffered a serious leg injury after crashing during a race in Copper Mountain, USA, on Thursday.
The 27-year-old from Whistler, B.C., was taking part in a FIS (International Ski Federation) race as part of his preparations for the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup, which gets underway in Alberta next week.
Dixon landed after a jump and caught an edge. He suffered a tib-fib fracture of the right leg and was due to have surgery in Vail, Colo., Thursday evening. No time frame has been set for Dixon’s return but it is expected to be a long-term injury and he will not compete in Lake Louise, Alta.
“It’s a hard one to swallow given how the last couple of years have gone,” said Dixon, who battled back from a serious concussion and had been looking forward to getting his 2012-13 World Cup season underway next week.
“I caught an edge and one thing led to another. I’m going to stay positive. I’m fortunate to have some pretty amazing teammates who I can call my friends. They’re supporting me and I know they’ve got my back.”
Dixon is one of Canada’s most gifted speed skiers. The 2010 Olympian has racked up 11 top-10 World Cup results and last year came agonizingly close to securing his first podium when he finished fourth in the super-G in Beaver Creek, USA.