Featured Image: Loïc Meillard bib draw Sölden: GEPA pictures
Loïc Meillard Withdrew from Sölden Due to Injury
Loïc Meillard, who finished second in last season’s overall World Cup standings, faced a tough setback before the season opener in Sölden. As the only male skier besides Marco Odermatt to win a World Cup Giant Slalom last season, Meillard hoped for a strong start. However, while warming up, he suffered a painful injury to his lower back, forcing him to withdraw.
Medical Diagnosis: Disc Tear
At first, Meillard attempted to carry on, even inspecting the challenging Rettenbach Glacier course. However, he had to pull out just before his run. Swiss Ski later confirmed the injury. Tests at the Hirslanden Clinic revealed a tear in the sheath of the intervertebral disc between vertebrae L5 and S1.
“Such an injury is very painful. The healing process is difficult to estimate,” shared Dr. Walter O. Frey, the head Alpine Skiing Doctor for Swiss Ski. “At the moment, we assume that Loïc will be able to compete again in Levi.”
Moving Forward
Despite the setback, Meillard, 27, remains committed to his recovery. “It hurt my heart not to be able to start in Sölden,” he admitted. “Now I’m taking it daily and giving everything I have to recover as quickly as possible.”
With Meillard’s absence, the Swiss team misses a key competitor. However, his fans and teammates are hopeful he will return in Levi, ready to continue building on last season’s success.
Information: Swiss Ski and skinews.ch
About the Author: SR Staff Report
