French ski racer Cyprien Sarrazin is slowly but steadily recovering after a horrific crash at the men’s World Cup downhill event in Bormio, Italy last month. The 30-year-old Frenchman says he is still experiencing double vision and has gaps in his memory from the days following the accident, but overall he is progressing well.
Sarrazin suffered a brain bleed, as well as injuries to his foot and knee, when he lost control and tumbled into the safety netting at high speed during the December 28th downhill race. He had to be airlifted from the course and underwent emergency surgery to drain the bleeding in his brain. He remained in intensive care for over a week.
I feel better day by day. I had some medical examinations … and they are very positive. The only problem that remains is double vision, but MRI said that there is no reason why it can’t be completely cured. I’m happy. Everything is positive.
Cyprien Sarrazin, in a video update from the French Ski Federation
Prolonged Recovery Ahead
While Sarrazin’s prognosis is good, he acknowledged there is still a long road ahead in his recovery and return to ski racing. The double vision and memory loss in particular are concerning lingering effects from the traumatic brain injury he sustained.
Sarrazin said he cannot recall about five days after regaining consciousness following his surgery, even though he was awake and communicating during that time. Doctors have had to help fill in the gaps for him.
I’m starting to have all the elements from my fall until now. Everything is clear. I’ve been explained a lot of things and it felt good. I was very lucky. I thank everyone because I’m here on my own two feet and in good health.
Cyprien Sarrazin
A Skier’s Worst Nightmare
Crashes are an unfortunate reality in the dangerous, high-speed world of downhill ski racing. But Sarrazin’s accident was a particularly brutal reminder of the risks these athletes face each time they push out of the starting gate.
The Bormio downhill where Sarrazin crashed is notoriously treacherous – a twisting, bumpy plunge down an icy pitch that sees racers eclipse 90 mph. American downhiller Bryce Bennett described it as “the most intense downhill on the circuit.”
While safety precautions like netting and airbags have improved immensely, there is still only so much protection for an athlete hurtling down a sheet of ice on little more than two composite planks. Sarrazin’s crash showed how quickly things can go wrong, and how devastating the consequences can be.
Hope and Resilience
Yet Sarrazin’s positive spirit and determination to recover also exemplify the incredible resilience of these skiers. He knows he is fortunate to have survived, and remains optimistic that he will fully heal in time, even if the road is long.
- Double vision still limiting Sarrazin but expected to resolve
- Some memory loss of 5 day period post-surgery
- Overall recovery progressing well with positive scans
- No set timeline but Sarrazin eager to return to skiing
For now, the ski racing world will have to wait and hope for more good news on Sarrazin’s recovery. But his courage in the face of such a traumatic crash is already inspiring, a potent reminder of the passion and grit that defines this astonishing, perilous sport and its athletes.
