After the accident on the bobsleigh track in Altenberg, the seriously injured pusher Sandro Michel is back in his home country of Switzerland. This was announced by the Swiss association Swiss Sliding. Following a third operation at the University Hospital in Dresden, Michel's condition was now so stable that he could be brought back and is receiving further treatment at home.
The pusher suffered serious injuries to his chest and pelvic area during the opening training session in the four-man bobsleigh at the last World Cup in Altenberg just over a week ago. The 210-kilogram sled with three crew members weighing a good hundred kilograms had slid uncontrollably back into the track from the uphill finish curve and hit the lying Michel, who had been thrown out, with full force.
As a result, pilots and pushers are discussing improvements for the safety of athletes with the IBSF. Wearing Kevlar vests would be a possible first step. "That would be such a simple topic that can and must be introduced quickly," said two-time double Olympic champion Francesco Friedrich to the "Mitteldeutsche Zeitung" (Friday).
Meanwhile, Swiss pilot Vogt also canceled his World Championship start in the four-man bobsleigh in Winterberg. He suffered a severe concussion and bruising in the crash in Altenberg. "Vogt is on the road to recovery, but a start at the World Championships is still too early for him," the Swiss federation announced.
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