2-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Michelle Gisin Airlifted After High-Speed Crash During Ski Training

Swiss skier Michelle Gisin, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and defending champion in the women’s Alpine events, was airlifted to a hospital on December 11, 2025, after a high-speed crash during a training session in St. Moritz, Switzerland. The accident occurred just two months before the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, raising concerns about the preparedness of the Swiss Alpine team for the upcoming Games.


Details of Michelle Gisin’s Training Crash

According to the Associated Press, Al Jazeera, and Reuters, Gisin lost control on the course while approaching a sharp left-hand turn at roughly 70 mph. She crashed through the first safety net barrier before a second barrier stopped her, sustaining scratches and cuts on her face. Fortunately, Gisin remained conscious throughout the incident and was treated on-site by medics before being transported via helicopter to a nearby hospital.

The crash occurred on the downhill course where Gisin was scheduled to compete in the World Cup downhill event on Friday and Saturday. Event organizers have not immediately released updates regarding her condition, and the Swiss Ski Federation has yet to provide an official statement.


Michelle Gisin’s Olympic Legacy and Current Focus

At 32, Michelle Gisin has established herself as one of Switzerland’s most decorated Alpine skiers. She won back-to-back gold medals in women’s Alpine events at the previous two Winter Olympics, cementing her status as a dominant force in the sport.

The Swiss Ski Federation confirmed that Gisin has been focusing on speed disciplines, reducing her participation in technical events. However, she has not achieved a podium finish in speed-focused events since 2022.


Recent Injury Concerns for the Swiss Women’s Ski Team

Gisin’s accident is the third serious training crash for the Swiss women’s ski team in recent weeks. Earlier incidents include:

  • Lara Gut-Behrami, who tore her ACL in her left knee during a crash at Copper Mountain, Colorado.
  • Corinne Suter, who suffered calf, knee, and foot injuries during a training session in St. Moritz.

These injuries have raised concerns about the team’s readiness for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which begin on February 6, 2026.


What This Means for the 2026 Winter Olympics

The recent spate of injuries, including Gisin’s high-speed crash, has put additional pressure on Switzerland’s women’s Alpine team. Fans and officials will be closely monitoring her recovery to determine if she will compete in Cortina, Italy, and defend her Olympic title.

Despite the setback, Gisin’s track record and resilience make her a key contender and fan favorite heading into the Winter Games. Her recovery and training progress over the next two months will be critical for Switzerland’s medal hopes.


Key Takeaways

  • Michelle Gisin, 32, two-time Olympic gold medalist, crashed during a training session in St. Moritz, Switzerland.
  • The accident occurred roughly 70 mph while approaching a sharp turn, with Gisin hitting multiple safety barriers.
  • Gisin was conscious after the crash and airlifted to a hospital for treatment.
  • This marks the third recent crash affecting the Swiss women’s ski team ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy.
  • Swiss teammates Lara Gut-Behrami and Corinne Suter have also sustained injuries during training.
  • Gisin has focused on speed disciplines and has not podiumed in speed events since 2022.

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