Italian skier Matteo Franzoso dies in training crash at 25

Matteo Franzoso, the 25 year old Italian alpine skier, died tragically in an accident while training in Chile, FISI confirmed on September 15. Franzoso was training on La Parva slope near the capital city of Santiago, when he lost control on the first jump of the course. According to FIS, safety fencing was hit by Franzoso as he crashed through two layers of it and finally into a wooden barrier at the edge of the track.A helicopter evacuation was initiated for Franzoso to get treated in a clinic in Santiago, after which he was put into a medically induced coma, owing to severe head trauma. Death because of severe injuries followed, despite all efforts put in intensive care.“It is a tragedy for the family and for our sport,” said FISI president Flavio Roda, adding that measures must be taken to thwart such occurrences from happening down the road.FIS president Johan Eliasch also issued condolences, saying that: “The entire ski family mourns this tragic loss, and our thoughts are with all those affected in this moment of great sorrow.”The exceptionally bright Franzoso was a downhill specialist; he took part in 17 World Cup races, the best result having been a 28th in the Super-G at Cortina d’Ampezzo in January 2023, and the same year, he also won the national Italian alpine combined title. March 2023 was to be his last World Cup race.Franzoso was born in Turin and considered as one of Italy's up-and-coming talents in other words, budding talents on the alpine circuit. The sudden demise constructs an abyss in the winter sports community.At the age of 25, he was still finding his way as a competitor, with his teammates and officials recalling him as a focused athlete with a lot of promise. His premature death brings into sharp focus-the ever-present danger faced by the athletes in speed-driven winter sports.Franzoso’s sudden passing is a heartbreaking loss for skiing. His passion, talent, and spirit will always be remembered.