Dominik Raschner, Alexander Schmid, and Timon Haugan: GEPA Photos

The German Ski Federation reports that their Parallel World Champion and ace men’s GS skier, Alexander Schmid, has suffered a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his left knee while training in Berchtesgaden, Germany. Surgery was required to repair his knee. Unfortunately, he will miss this weekend’s two Kranjska Gora GS races and the World Cup finals in Soldeu Andorra on March 18th.

“The injury and the resulting absence are extremely annoying, especially after the successful World Cup,” said Schmid, but emphasized: “Now it’s time to look ahead. I’ll work hard and concentrate to be fit again as soon as possible.”

“The operation was positive and free of complications,” said DSV team doctor Manuel Köhne after the operation, “provided the healing process goes well, snow training is possible again in about six months.” The new World Cup season will probably start at the end of October or the beginning of November.

During arthroscopy, the surgeon replaced the torn ligament with the autologous quadriceps tendon. “Alex will probably be treated in the hospital for a few more days before he can start the first rehabilitation measures,” said Köhne.

Schmid was experiencing his career-best season. Schmid is currently ranked ninth in the 2023 season World Cup GS standings. He is also the 2023 Individual parallel GS World Champion. Schmid had accumulated 178 World Cup GS points this season before the injury. He had finished in the top ten in all five 2022-23 GS races that he completed. His best GS result during the 2023 campaign was a 5th in Alta Badia, Italy.

The German World Champion should return to skiing next fall if rehab goes well.