Lara Gut-Behrami crashed heavily in super-G training on Thursday, potentially ending her career.
What happened?
The incident occurred in Copper Mountain, Colorado, during a training session.
Lara Gut-Behrami got her hand caught on a gate, causing a huge fall.
Rainer Salzgeber, race director of Gut-Behrami's outfitter Head, described the fall as violent.
Why it matters for Lara Gut-Behrami
The 34-year-old had announced her retirement after this season, making the injury even more tragic.
Gut-Behrami has won the overall World Cup twice and Olympic and World Championship gold.
She has also won 48 World Cup races throughout her career.
What comes next?
Gut-Behrami will return to Switzerland for extensive medical examinations to determine the extent of her injury.
If the speculation about a serious knee injury is confirmed, it would likely mean the end of her career.
Gut-Behrami had started her last season well, finishing third on the podium in the giant slalom at the World Cup in Sölden.
She was preparing for the speed season opener in St. Moritz when the incident occurred.
The injury is not the first time Gut-Behrami has experienced the dark side of ski racing, having torn her anterior cruciate ligament in 2017.
Gut-Behrami had learned to listen to her body and had decided against competing in Sölden at short notice in October 2024 due to knee problems and mental fatigue.
The impending forced break has hit an athlete who has been aware of her limits and consistently protected herself.
Gut-Behrami's career has been marked by 48 World Cup wins and a strong determination to succeed.
The incident has raised concerns about the risks involved in ski racing and the importance of prioritizing athlete safety.
Gut-Behrami's fans and supporters are waiting anxiously for updates on her condition and the future of her career.