Three-time Olympic ski jumping champion Thomas Morgenstern was hospitalized for the second time in a month due to a ski jumping crash on Friday.
Morgenstern lost his balance in the air during training for a World Cup ski flying event in Tauplitz, Austria. He crashed with such power that both of his skis came unhitched quickly. The Austrian slid at high speeds down most of the hill. Here’s video.
Morgenstern briefly lost conciousness but was able to speak afterward, according to The Associated Press citing the Austria Press Agency.
“Fortunately he was responsive, Thomas can move arms and legs. That’s very important,” team physician Herbert Leitner said, according to the AP. “He asked me what happened.”
“We can only hope for the best,” coach Alexander Pointner said. “This really hurts because we are all very close. Thomas is the heart of this team.”
Morgenstern also crashed and visited a hospital in December, but he recovered to finish second in the prestigious Four Hills Tournament standings earlier this month.
Here’s an update from Morgenstern’s official Facebook page:
And from his Twitter account:
First news: Thomas got head injuries
— Thomas Morgenstern (@MorgensternT) January 10, 2014
and a bruised lung. He is conscious and able to talk. More updates will follow. pic.twitter.com/CtJQy9h7L2