2014 Olympic Halfpipe Champion and reigning World Champion Iouri Podladtchikov (SUI) has suffered a serious ankle injury during a training session in Tignes, France last week.

Approaching the tranny after a huge backside air, the Russia-born rider hit the coping of the pipe with his left foot.

Besides suffering a tendon injury, the 26-year-old also broke his inner malleolus.

Whilst already having undergone a successful surgery in St. Moritz and also having taken some first steps again, it's unclear if iPod will be able to defend his title at the World Championships in Kreischberg, Austria next January.

“Although it sounds like a very bad injury, I'm very optimistic that I will do better soon,” said Podladtchikov.

“I will do everything possible to be 100 % fit again as soon as possible.”