Fritz Dopfer suffers broken leg in training crash
29-year-old German World Championship slalom silver medalist Fritz Dopfer suffered a tibia-fibula fracture of his left leg following a training crash in Zillertal, Austria, on Sunday. Dopfer was transported to an Innsbruck hospital and has already undergone surgery.
“It all happened very quickly,” Dopfer said. “I lost control of the skis and crashed. The consequences of this fall are bitter. But those who know me know that I have overcome so many setbacks in my career. Therefore, I will now pursue my rehabilitation with great discipline, so I can attack again in the Olympic season.”
Dopfer’s one-hour surgery was performed at the private Hochrum clinic in Innsbruck by Dr. Christian Fink in coordination with German team doctors. Dr. Fink used a metal rod to stabilize the fracture and Dopfer is expected to spend at least six months in recovery, effectively ending his 2017 season.
“The operation went very well,” said Dr. Fink. “He will be stationary for several days and can already start tomorrow with the first physical therapy measures. Assuming a favorable healing process, returning to training on snow in six months is possible again.”
A regular in the top ranks of World Cup tech events, Dopfer most recently tied for eighth place in the slalom in Levi, Finland.