Fredrik Moeller had to be airlifted from a training slope after a high-speed crash days before the beginning of the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The Norwegian star and hot-favourite for gold at this month’s games needed urgent medical attention as his preparations took a worrying turn.
Moeller lost control on a training slope, leading to the 25-year-old going off course. The Norwegian was sat up as he received medical attention but looked in some discomfort with his left shoulder and was airlifted to the nearest medical centre in order to undergo treatment. Moeller took first place in Italy at the Super G in December 2024 and ahead of this year’s games, he had recovered from a crash that saw him fracture three vertebrae.
Moeller picked up speed during his practice run but saw his left ski give way as he followed the course, seeing him lose balance and fall down the slope. The alpine skier encountered the problem during the most intense period of training for the athletes.
Norwegian team sources have yet to confirm the extent of Moeller’s injuries and officials said that further updates will be provided once medical assessments are completed. The manner of transport for Moeller will mean he will be reviewed quicker but it has plunged his participation in the games into doubt with the start just two days away before the closing ceremony on February 22.
Moeller defied expectations to be in contention for the Olympics head across Lombardy and Northeast Italy after his crash in December. He posted a feel-good picture on Instagram six weeks ago despite missing some of his front teeth and fractures in his spine.
He said: “Thank you for all the kind messages! Missing some of my front teeth and a couple of small but stable fractures in spine (T4,T5,T7). Doctor said I should be able to start moving again after 30 days, so crossing my fingers for the Olympics.”
Commentators on the pursuit spoke highly of his credentials and began to highlight the miraculous recovery to be in contention at the Olympics. However, as the comeback was discussed, Moeller was seen losing traction and careered off the slope.
They said: “Fredrik Moeller for the Norwegian teams, burst on the scene picked up podiums in the infancy of his World Cup career. He’s one of the favourites to pick up World Cup gold on a regular basis before his crash over in Italy and broke three vertebrae. The fact he is racing again..”
The co-commentator added: “I wonder if it was that lack of racing experience oer the last month or so as he has been recovering from that nasty crash in December, it is just sort of showing here a little bit.”