Pinturault's dramatic fall: Career at crossroads after injury

Pinturault's dramatic fall: Career at crossroads after injury

On January 24, 2025, Alexis Pinturault's hopes were dashed with a dramatic crash in the Super-G on the infamous Streif in Kitzbühel. The 32-year-old French ski star, considered one of the most successful athletes in the men's ski world cup, suffered a fracture of the inner tibial plateau in his right knee and a meniscus lesion. The news of his injury was devastating as it meant an early end to his season, the French Ski Federation announced. He even had to be flown by helicopter to the hospital in Interlaken for further examinations. A little later it became clear that Pinturault would have to take a break not only for the rest of the season, but also for the World Championship.

After Pinturault suffered a torn cruciate ligament in the preseason and returned in December, there are now renewed questions about his comeback. However, he firmly assured that he wanted to continue his career: "Yes, I'm continuing," he explained on "Sport & Talk" on ServusTV. “The goal is for me to ski again next year.” In his Instagram post, he emphasized: "From shadow to light, once again... because I want to write the last pages of this book to the end." The Olympic Games in Italy are a big goal for him, even though there is a high chance that next season could be his last as an active racing driver.

Focus on the giant slalom

Given his injuries, Pinturault has changed his plans and wants to focus on giant slalom, as opposed to the speed disciplines he originally wanted to focus on. “I have to take the opportunity and focus on one discipline,” he said, adding that it was uncertain in which disciplines he would be able to compete in the future. “I’m no longer in the top 30 in super-G,” he admitted. However, Pinturault remains optimistic and hopes to achieve something extraordinary next winter - perhaps even at the upcoming Olympics, as another chance for his dream of the sporting super hour.

By the way, Pinturault is not the only victim of the current race weekend; The 26-year-old Swiss Marco Kohler also fell during the Lauberhorn races and suffered serious injuries. So the pressure and dangers of ski racing are evident as athletes give everything to stay at the top.

Laola1 reported back about his determined fight and Radiocentral reported on the injuries and the impact on his career.