ADELBODEN, Switzerland – American skier Tommy Ford was taken to hospital after falling on a giant World Cup slalom on Saturday.
Ford crashed three gates from the finish line after going very deep snow along the route. The skis touched and he fell forward, sliding first down the hill by his neck and left shoulder.
The U.S. ski team later said the “Ford’s head and neck injuries are minor and resolve very well. He has a knee injury that is undergoing further evaluation.”
Ford knocked down a field worker before stopping near safety nets next to the finish line. He initially stood still with his face against the snow, although he was soon conscious and talking to the medical staff.
A helicopter landed on the course 20 minutes later to airlift the 31-year-old runner who is from Bend, Oregon.
Ford gets a giant slalom victory and two more podiums in 12 seasons on the World Cup circuit. He wore the No. 4 jersey on Saturday as one of the best-ranked runners after the top 10 points in his last four starts.
Ford’s next giant slalom will be in six weeks, on February 19, at the World Championships in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.