Bobsledder Sandro Michel, who was seriously injured in an accident on the Altenberg track, had to undergo another operation. This was announced by the Swiss bobsleigh association Swiss Sliding on Friday. According to the statement, Michel underwent a second operation on Thursday at Dresden University Hospital "due to the serious injuries in the hip area". He is stable and has no injuries to his head or spine. It is not yet clear when Michel will be able to return to Switzerland.
The pusher also suffered serious injuries to his chest during the opening training session in the four-man bobsleigh on Tuesday. As the 210-kilogram sled with the three crew members weighing a good hundred kilograms slid uncontrollably back into the track from the uphill finish bend and hit Michel, who was thrown out and then lay dazed in the ice channel, with full force, the world federation, the pilots and push athletes are discussing improvements for the safety of the athletes together on Friday.
The board and management of Swiss Sliding have decided not to comment on the current safety discussions at present, but to concentrate fully on supporting the injured athletes and looking after the other teams.
Altenberg's track boss Jens Morgenstern emphasized on Thursday that it was "a global issue". He also called for better training for athletes in general and not bobsleighs that are getting faster and faster. "I will not accept the fact that Altenberg is now being portrayed as a bogeyman," said Morgenstern.
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