Great Britain’s top ski racer, Chemmy Alcott is recovering from surgery today (Dec. 3) after breaking her leg in a high-speed crash yesterday during downhill training in Lake Louise in preparation for World Cup downhill races.

“We understand that Chemmy fell on the upper part of a steep section of the Lake Louise course and continued to tumble down the piste,” said British Ski and Snowboard (BSS) Chief Executive, Dave Edwards. “She suffered an open fracture and was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Banff.”

 “We are currently waiting to hear from the medical team as to the full extent of the injury and success of the operation,” continued Edwards. “Chemmy is a great athlete and has worked very hard to be ready for the World Cup season, so missing it will be a big blow. Naturally, we wish her all the best and hope that she makes a rapid and complete recovery.”

Alcott, a lively and colorful personality on the women’s World Cup tour, was joined at the hospital by good friend, American racer Julia Mancuso.”Chemmy’s all fixed up, and doing well,” tweeted Mancuso last night. “I’m off to get some rest before my DH race in Lake Louise!” 

This is the second time Alcott (28) has been injured while training at Lake Louise. She broke her ankle on the hill in 2008.

Alcott was the first British woman to qualify for the World Cup Finals, the first British skier to win a run in a World Cup race and the first British skier to win the British Land National Ski Championships six times in a row. But it’s her outgoing personality and positive attitude that has drawn thousands of fans around the globe to the british skier.

“Thank you everyone for everything,” tweeted Alcott late last night. “Insane that something that brings you so much pleasure can also bring so much pain. Good luck to girls tomorrow.”

Image: Chemmy Alcott is airlifted from Lake Louise downhill course. (Gepa)