U.S. Ski Team member Sam DuPratt suffered a serious injury in Thursday’s downhill training at Val Gardena, immediately taken by helicopter to the Bolzano hospital. Initial examinations are being carried out. While there is no official injury report for DuPratt, it is being reported that he has suffered an injury to one or both legs. The injury was discussed in team captain’s meeting ahead of the men’s SG race Friday. 

“We are very sorry about the fall of the American Samual DuPratt,” said president of the Salong Classic Club, Rainer Senoner. “On behalf of the organizer, I wish him a speedy recovery and hope that he will get well again as soon as possible.”

Aside from the injury to DuPratt, FIS race director Markus Waldner made positive remarks of the final downhill training run and is optimistic going into race day. While there looks to be a green light for the next two days of racing, Waldner acknowledged Dupratt’s unfortunate crash from the day. 

“The track is in excellent condition,” said Walder. “But it has once again shown that it leaves no margin for error, punishing even the slightest skiing mistake.”

This story will be updated as information becomes available.