Cyprien Sarrazin: GEPA pictures
Sarrazin Faces a Long Road to Recovery After Bormio Crash
A Positive Update Amid Challenges
French ski team doctor Stéphane Bulle shared a hopeful yet sobering update on Cyprien Sarrazin’s condition following his serious crash during downhill training in Bormio, Italy. Sarrazin, 30, suffered significant head injuries in the fall but has been in expert hands since the incident.
“He was very well looked after by specialists in Italy from the start,” said Bulle. Sarrazin has now been transferred to Lyon, France, a move that brings him relief. However, Bulle emphasized the severity of Sarrazin’s injuries and the daunting road to recovery ahead.
“Not Just a Knee Operation”
When asked about Sarrazin’s potential return to World Cup skiing, Bulle did not sugarcoat the reality. “We’re not talking about a knee operation here. This is something serious in the brain,” he explained. “I don’t know whether Cyprien will ski again.”
The former downhill rival of Marco Odermatt will undergo a lengthy and complex rehabilitation process. Despite the uncertainties, Bulle reassured, “We will do everything we can to help him come back.”
Overcoming Everyday Challenges
Sarrazin’s injuries continue to affect his daily life. “He still finds it difficult to keep his eyes open,” Bulle noted. Sarrazin experiences double vision and impaired eye reflexes, both common after such severe trauma. Progress is expected, but for now, Sarrazin is relearning basic activities like sitting, walking, and eating.
Bulle shared that Sarrazin vividly recalls the crash. The Frenchman lost control after a compression and hit his head hard on the icy race surface. Despite the challenges, the team doctor remains optimistic that these symptoms will gradually improve.
Caviezel’s Painful Memory of Bormio
Sarrazin was not the only athlete to face adversity in Bormio. Swiss skier Gino Caviezel, 32, suffered a heavy fall during the Super-G, leaving him motionless on the snow for several minutes.
“The last few days have been challenging, painful, and emotionally intense,” Caviezel shared on Instagram, posting a photo of himself on crutches. While he awaits a complete diagnosis, one outcome is certain: Caviezel will miss the rest of the season.
A Reminder of Skiing’s Risks
These incidents underscore the dangers alpine ski racers face at the highest level. For Sarrazin and Caviezel, the crashes in Bormio mark life-changing moments. As fans and the skiing community rally behind them, their recoveries will continue to serve as a testament to resilience and hope in the face of immense challenges.
This article incorporates information from Blick.ch.
