Giant slalom globe winner breaks leg in training crash
Austrian giant slalom star Eva-Maria Brem joins the legion of injured athletes this season. The 28-year-old technical specialist suffered a fracture of her left leg during slalom training on Friday at Pass Thurn in preparation for the World Cup in Levi, Finland, later this month.
She was flown to the hospital for a diagnosis, where doctors confirmed the suspicion of a lower leg fracture. The Tyrolean underwent surgery on Friday.
Team doctor Christian Hoser anticipates a break of several months for Brem, effectively ending her 2016-17 season.
“Both the fibula and the tibia are broken,” Hoser said. “[The injury] requires an operation. … The procedure is still being carried out today. The prospective ski break will be between four and six months.”
It’s the same injury Brem suffered in April 2010 while free skiing. Just a week ago, she was named Austrian Sportswoman of the Year. Before that, Brem raced at the World Cup opener in Soelden, where she finished in 26th place.