Finnish alpine skiing star Elian Lehto was seriously injured during a practice run at the World Cup downhill competition in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on February 27. He sustained lower limb injuries and suffered from a groin injury during the incident. According to Yle, the accident could have been fatal, but Lehto believes that his protective pants played a crucial role in saving his life.

In an interview with Yle, Lehto described the moment of the accident, recalling the eerie silence surrounding him, which starkly contrasts the usual chaos of a skiing performance. Despite the severity of the event, he maintained clarity and composure without panic or fear of death. He noted that his ski impacted his groin area, but fortunately, the sharp edge did not penetrate his protective gear, which he credits as a lifesaver in this dire situation.

At 25 years old, Lehto is known for his participation in the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics prior to his injury. He had previously secured a 20th place in the downhill event, showcasing his potential on the international stage. His experience underlines the critical importance of protective wear in extreme sports, as well as the ongoing risks athletes face in competition.