Photo: imago / GEPA
Three ski jumpers fell at the start of the last World Cup weekend of the season in Planica, one of them seriously: Eetu Nousiainen from Finland complained of knee pain and was taken to hospital.
The first of four days of ski flying in Planica, Slovenia was not only characterized by spectacular flights and great distances, but also by several falls. In qualifying, Casey Larson first jammed his skis after landing and fell badly as a result.
» Event overview: Schedule & information about the World Cup ski flying in Planica
The American was apparently lucky and was able to leave the run on his own two feet. However, Eetu Nousiainen’s fall didn’t go so smoothly: the Finn’s jump of 180 meters was actually over long ago when he lost control of his skis and fell badly on the run-out. The 26-year-old complained of knee pain and was taken away by paramedics.
The Finn initially complained of pain in his knee with abrasions on his face. He was initially treated in an ambulance and then transported to the hospital in Jesenice. From there he contacted his fans via social media and initially cautiously gave the all-clear. But after an MRI and X-ray examination, the Finnish association has now announced an initial diagnosis – according to which the 26-year-old has torn the anterior cruciate ligament and the meniscus.
Bad fall during training
Some observers blame the jump preparation in the landing area for the falls. In the past few days, the organizers had to struggle with the mild temperatures in Slovenia and had to re-prepare the ski jump, which also delayed the start of training by half an hour.
Sergey Tkachenko had a serious fall in the first training round: However, the Kazakh did not have to struggle with the landing area, but rather lost control shortly after taking off in flight and crashed onto the hard landing slope. Tkachenko was able to leave the run independently, but then forgot the second training session and the qualification.
Also interesting: For a long time it looked as if Markus Eisenbichler would return to the World Cup team for the season finale after strong performances in the Continental Cup. That’s why the veteran is now missing in Planica…