Max Franz: GEPA pictures
The 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships produced many success stories, but one stood out: Austrian speed racer Max Franz overcame obstacles and tested out his long skis as a forerunner in the women’s downhill and super-G events. After more than two years of recovering from injury and rehabilitation, not many expected to see him back on skis—ever.
Colorado Injury
In November 2022, Franz and the Austrian national team trained at Copper Mountain, Colorado, preparing for the upcoming World Cup season. He broke both of his lower legs during a fall, suffering severe injuries.
First responders provided first aid on the hill before transporting him to the Vail Health Hospital for further examination. According to an FIS Alpine World Cup Tour update at the time, doctors diagnosed him with an open lower leg fracture on the left leg, a complicated lower leg fracture on the right leg, and a cut on his right arm. FIS reported these findings on Nov. 14, 2022.
A Week of Great Improvements
Ski Racing Media met Franz in the World Championship finish area on Feb. 7, after the women’s third downhill training run in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria.
It is wonderful to see you back on skis. How does it feel?
“It’s so great. I’m so happy,” Franz said before sharing the challenges and positive steps forward he experienced on the championship race slope on the Zwölferkogel mountain during the week before the World Championships started.
“One week ago, I had my first experience on the slope, a little inspection. I saw no chance of doing this [forerunning]. It was so different from the training I’d had before. Compact slope, icy, completely different. Also, the jumps—I hadn’t jumped in two years. But day by day, I was getting better and gaining more self-esteem. I got a good feeling, so I thought it was possible to do the whole run,” he explained.
Breakthrough and Optimism
After completing the full women’s downhill run the day before the first official downhill training and the opening ceremony, he realized he had built himself up enough to forerun the women’s speed events.
“It was a really great feeling. Now I try to use the slope and the training every day, and then we will see,” he said, beaming with happiness about his progress and future aspirations.
Building Up the Jumps
The jumps in the downhill course felt manageable for Franz during the World Championships, but they presented a challenge when he first returned to jumping.
“It was a big problem in my head. The first jump was two centimeters high, and now it’s one meter,” he said, describing his progress as he worked his way back to handling the larger jumps on the 2025 World Championship hill.
“But I made it, very slowly, step by step. Now, it’s quite normal. It’s really cool,” said the smiling 2017 World Championship downhill bronze medalist and three-time World Cup winner.
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The Long Way Back
“It was a long, hard road,” Franz said, describing the process since his injury more than two years ago. With two broken legs, he suddenly had to rely on a wheelchair for roughly four months, forcing him to adopt a completely different lifestyle.
“Life was tough— a lot of pain during rehabilitation.” Some days were good, but at times, he became too eager and pushed too hard, delaying his recovery. “I would lose another 10 days with more pain,” he explained.
“But the whole time, I believed in the dream that I could make the comeback. And now I’m here. It’s so great, so great!”
First Time Back on Skis
Franz fondly recalls the day in late March 2024 when he finally strapped on his skis and enjoyed a trip on touring skis during Easter. Later, it was time for alpine skis.
“The first day I really skied was in the middle of September,” he said. “Since that day, things have kept improving day by day.”
Step by Step Forward
Looking ahead, Franz remains clear about one thing: The process must go step by step.
“In the first three to four months, I set goals,” he said before explaining the downside of setting goals. Sometimes, he couldn’t reach a milestone when the day arrived. “This was not positive mentally,” he explained.
Instead, he now takes things as they come, focusing on gradual improvement. This relieves pressure and reduces disappointment, making the recovery process feel more manageable.
The Greatest Goal
Medical challenges remain, Franz told Ski Racing Media. “On my left leg, the foot sole is numb. And there is still a lot of pain during the day. But it’s okay. I need a really good summer. Maybe next year, but we will see,” he said while sharing his hopes for a World Cup comeback.
“My greatest goal is to return to the World Cup. When that day comes, we will see. I’m happy for every small step I make on this journey, and that’s the plan.”
About the Author: Bente Bjørnsen Sherlock
