Max Franz: The way back to the ski stars - A fight full of emotions!

Max Franz: The way back to the ski stars - A fight full of emotions!

The 35-year-old Carinthian downhill star Max Franz impressively shows that climbing is possible after a serious fall. After a horrendous training accident on November 13, 2022, in which Franz suffered an open lower leg fracture on his left leg and a compound fracture on his right leg, he underwent surgery in Vail and then received further treatment in Graz. After the injury, doctors feared that Franz could end his career as he needed 20 screws and a nail to stabilize his bones. In addition, a nerve was 80% severed. Despite these setbacks, Franz remains optimistic. In an interview with oe24 he explains that he himself decides when to stop: “I alone decide when to stop.”

A step back onto the slopes

Almost two years after the fall, Max Franz is back on skis and has published a training video from Sölden that shows his progress. He describes this milestone as a “moment of happiness” in his mental ups and downs, which particularly concerns him at the upcoming speed opener in Beaver Creek. “I’m really happy that I’m back on skis,” said the downhill professional. In an emotional moment, he also reflects on his past time and the challenges that the sport has presented him. Franz admits that he has to regain the necessary sensitivity and muscles in order to be competitive again.

Max Franz was known for his fighting spirit, which he would like to prove even after his return to the slopes. In his daily training routine, he combines skiing with therapy sessions in order to relax as much as possible. The memories of his serious falls, especially on the Birds of Prey course, also bring a mix of thrill and motivation. He has already analyzed his live ticker at the first speed races in December and is looking forward to the challenges ahead in the downhill season. According to oe24, his big goal is to be able to ride competitively on World Cup tracks again without taking unnecessary risks.