Matthias Mayer Injury: Updates on Skier's Status After Crash

Matthias Mayer, the 2014 Olympic gold medalist in downhill skiing, suffered fractured vertebrae after a crash during Saturday's Val Gardena World Cup, which required surgery.

Continue for updates.

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Mayer to Miss Remainder of Season Despite Earlier Prognosis

Sunday, Dec. 20

The Austrian Ski Federation confirmed the end of Mayer's season, per AFP (h/t Yahoo Sports) after the surgery revealed a third fractured vertebrae. On Saturday, the Associated Press (via NBC Sports) reported members of the Austrian team announced that Mayer suffered a fractured vertebrae and "will likely be sidelined for only a month."

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Mayer Airlifted After Scary Crash

Saturday, Dec. 19

The crash appeared to be serious. Mayer seemed to catch his ski on one of the flagpoles as he was in the air, landing on his back with his head bouncing off the ground. He was immobile while sliding down the hill. 

However, the AP noted medical personnel got to Mayer quickly and were able to inflate a radical air bag in a hurry to stabilize his body.

“A crash can never be something favorable,” International Ski Federation technical expert Gunter Hujara said, per the AP. “(But) maybe we have seen here he was saved from a spine injury today.”