Andreas Sander, the 2021 World Championship silver medalist in downhill skiing, could be sidelined for the entire upcoming alpine skiing season due to a mitochondrial disorder. This cellular dysfunction has severely impacted the 35-year-old German skier’s ability to train, forcing him to halt all physical activities. Sander, who shocked the skiing world with his podium finish in Cortina d’Ampezzo three years ago, has been advised by doctors to limit exertion, leaving his participation in the 2024/25 World Cup season in serious doubt.
Another Top Skier Out for the Season
Sander isn’t the only prominent skier missing from the slopes this winter. Norwegian star Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, a consistent contender in the World Cup circuit, has also announced he will miss the season due to a required shoulder surgery. This marks another blow to the alpine skiing world, following Kilde’s earlier success, and adds to the list of elite athletes dealing with injuries ahead of the new season.
Injury Woes Ahead of World Cup Opener
As the World Cup season kicks off this weekend in Soelden with a giant slalom event, other top athletes are also battling health issues. French skier Alexis Pinturault, another big name in the sport, is expected to miss the season opener, leaving fans eager to see how the field will shape up in the absence of these leading competitors.
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