Hannes Reichelt following Saturday’s downhill (GEPA/Hans Osterauer)

Bad news for Austria’s Hannes Reichelt arrived just two days following his Hahnenkamm downhill victory on Saturday (Jan. 25). The results of an MRI on his back conducted in Innsbruck revealed a herniated disc which doctors operated on today (Jan. 27). As a result, he will be unable to compete in the Olympic Winter Games and is out for the rest of the season. 

“The pictures speak for themselves and unfortunately surgery is inevitable,” noted Reichelt. “I would like to be active even after my career. Unfortunately, this is also the Olympic dream burst.”

Reichelt had experienced back pain prior to Saturday’s race and reportedly received injections in order to compete. In Sunday’s super G, he finished 68th.

“Hannes is in the form of his life and of course this is very bitter, but health comes first,” said Hans Pum, sport director of the Austrian Ski Federation. “We wish him all the best and speedy recovery so that he comes back soon.”