Olympic bobsleigh star airlifted to hospital after being KO'd by own sled
A Swiss bobsleigh star was knocked out and has undergone surgery after being run over by his own sled in a training crash.
Sandro Michel was rushed to hospital after he fell out of his team's bobsleigh following a collision, with the sled 'uncontrollably sliding back from the finish area'. Michel lost consciousness in the crash and was airlifted from the track.
The freak accident occurred during official World Cup training in Altenberg, Germany with all four members of the team being injured in the incident. The brakesman had surgery on his hip and thigh area at the University Hospital Dresden and suffered chest injuries.
Pilot Michael Vogt suffered a severe concussion, while Dominik Hufschmid and Andreas Haas suffered less serious issues. Michel is now stable.
An investigation into the cause of the accident has been initiated at the Altenberg bobsled track, according to Swiss Sliding. The governing body released a statement detailing what happened and noted other federations would be left to make their own decision on whether they should participate in the weekend's competition.
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They said: "Sandro Michel underwent surgery on his hip and thigh area at the University Hospital Dresden. Michel, who also sustained chest injuries, is now stable. Further examinations today [Wednesday] will determine the extent of Sandro Michel's injuries, including those to his chest.
"Pilot Michael Vogt suffered a severe concussion and bruises. The other pushers, Dominik Hufschmid and Andreas Haas, were also slightly injured.
Michael Vogt, Luca Rolli, Cyril Bieri and Sandro Michel of Team Switzerland slide during the four-man Bobsleigh heats on day 15 of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games (Julian Finney)"Swiss Sliding is deeply saddened by this accident and wishes Sandro Michel, Michael Vogt, Dominik Hufschmid, and Andreas Haas a speedy and full recovery.
"The federation has left it up to the other Swiss teams in Altenberg to decide whether they want to participate in today's remaining training sessions and the races over the weekend or not."
The British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association have withdrawn from the event.
"We appreciate that this decision has not been taken lightly and we stand with them in their desire to see positive change in our sport," the BBSA said.
"The safety of our athletes - and indeed all athletes - remains paramount and we will engage with the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) to ensure that their concerns are listened to."
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