After his fall on Sunday during downhill training in Copper Mountain (USA), Max Franz was brought back to Austria on Friday from Vail (USA) in an Air Ambulance Jet.

Carinthian Max Franz fell on Sunday morning during downhill training in Copper Mountain (USA) and seriously injured both legs.

After on-site first aid, he was rushed to Vail Health Hospital where a thorough examination revealed an open left leg fracture, a compound right leg fracture and a laceration on the right arm.

“Max set the swing too narrow on a double left turn, then got caught in the goal with his upper body and then fell. It’s a shame because he has big plans for this season with his new outfitter. It’s for our speed team an enormous weakness”, Marko Pfeifer, the sports director of the alpine skiing men’s team, described the dramatic scenes.

Max Franz: “I’m glad I’m back in Austria”

In the meantime, Franz has been flown to Graz, where he is treated by a team of doctors led by Dr. Jürgen Mandl was received at the AUVA accident hospital in Styria in Graz. “I’m fine given the circumstances. I’m very happy to be back in Austria now. It will be a long and hard way back, but I’m in good spirits,” said Franz after his return.

“I remember the fall well, but it all happened very quickly. I want to show my heart to the first responders, the team at Vail Hospital and everyone involved and I’m very happy that the rescue chain worked so well.”

The 33-year-old speed specialist now has to undergo further examinations and surgical procedures.