Tommy Ford’s Adelboden Training Injury Ends Season

Tommy Ford: GEPA pictures

Adelboden Training Incident Forces Early End to Season

Tommy Ford, the last American male skier to secure a World Cup giant slalom victory, has encountered another significant setback. During training at the demanding Chuenisbärgli race venue in Adelboden, Switzerland, Ford sustained a tibial head fracture in his left leg. The injury necessitated surgery at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado, prematurely terminating his 2024-25 World Cup season.

In a candid Instagram post, Ford conveyed his disappointment. “The damage was severe enough to require surgery. The rest of me feels fine. It’s heartbreaking, but I still feel grateful,” he wrote.

Fond Memories of Adelboden Despite Setbacks

Ford, 35, has a complex history with Adelboden. Just days prior to his injury, he competed in the giant slalom but failed to complete the second run. Reflecting on the venue, Ford expressed his admiration for the course and its community. “The race in Adelboden was such a joy. There’s just something special about this place and its people,” he said.

This latest injury is not Ford’s first at Adelboden. In 2021, he suffered a devastating crash on the same slope, resulting in a concussion, torn knee ligaments, and a serious hand injury. Despite the severity of those setbacks, Ford made a remarkable comeback, with his first race back being at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where he finished an impressive 12th in the giant slalom.

Career Highlights and Olympic Hopes Dashed

Ford’s career reached its pinnacle in December 2019 when he secured his first—and only—World Cup victory in the giant slalom at Beaver Creek, Colorado. That win ended a three-year drought for American men in World Cup GS events. He remains the only active American male with a World Cup giant slalom victory.

This season-ending injury also halts Ford’s hopes of competing in his sixth World Championship. He previously represented the U.S. at the World Championships in 2011, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2023.

A Resilient Competitor Faces Another Recovery

Ford’s resilience has been tested throughout his career. From his harrowing crash in Adelboden to the hard-fought return at the Olympics, he has consistently shown determination. As he begins the recovery process, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team will feel the absence of one of its most experienced athletes.

For now, Ford’s focus shifts to healing, but his legacy as a competitor remains intact. His perseverance and love for skiing continue to inspire, even in the face of another difficult setback.