Aksel Lund Svindal ruptured his left Achilles tendon during a physical training session in Sölden, Austria, Saturday afternoon.

Aksel was immediately taken to a hospital in Innsbruck for closer examination. There it was determined that his Achilles tendon had ruptured and he was operated on shortly after. It is not certain how long Aksel’s rehabilitation will take, but he will most likely miss most of the season.

“The whole team had gone for a short jog in Sölden, followed by juggling and playing with a football. Suddenly, I felt like something hit my leg hard and I knew immediately what was wrong. Shit happens,” says Aksel.

“We came quickly to the hospital in Innsbruck where I received fast and super service. I was operated on within an hour of being diagnosed with a ruptured Achilles tendon.”

“A bitter injury and extremely poor timing with the season just about to start. However, what has happened, has happened – So, now I need to look forward focus on the future. Nobody knows how long the rehabilitation will take, but I am prepared for that it will take some time. I am receiving very good follow up and will stay in Austria a while before I travel to Oslo to make further rehabilitation plans together with Olympiatoppen.”

“Aksel must now train carefully the next few weeks and he will most likely not be ready to ski again for the next three or four months, “ says Dr. Marc Jacob Strauss, a national team doctor.

Alpine director Claus Ryste says that the whole team feels for Aksel and everyone will do what they can so that he can get back on snow and fit for competition as quickly as possible.

The whole FIS Family wishes Aksel a smooth and quick recovery and to see him back on skis soon.