ADELBODEN, Switzerland – US skier Tommy Ford has been taken to hospital after crashing into a giant World Cup slalom on Saturday.
Ford crashed three gates from the end after going wide in rough snow along the track. His skis hit and he fell forward, first sliding down the hill on his neck and left shoulder.
The U.S. ski team later said Ford’s “head and neck injuries are minor and are going up nicely. He has a knee injury that is being further evaluated.”
Ford knocked over a track worker before coming to a stop near safety nets along the finish line. He initially lay still with his face against the snow, but was soon conscious and spoke to medical staff.
A helicopter landed 20 minutes later with the track to transport the 31-year-old racer, who is coming from Bend, Oregon.
Ford has one giant slalom victory and two more podium finishes in 12 seasons at the World Cup. He wore a bib no. 4 carried as one of the best racers after the top-10 finishes in his last four starts.
Ford’s next giant slalom is in six weeks – on February 19 at the World Championships in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.