Canada endured a difficult day in the French Alps Saturday as Manuel Osborne-Paradis was airlifted to hospital after crashing during his run.
It has been confirmed that Osborne-Paradis has suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Initial tests revealed Osborne-Paradis suffered a fractured left fibula. Further tests conducted at a hospital in Geneva show that in addition to the fracture, Osborne-Paradis has a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) – also on the left side – that will require surgery.
“It’s a confirmed ACL tear,” said Dr. Stephen French, medical co-director for Alpine Canada Alpin.
“Plans are being made for him to return to Canada to be assessed by the surgical team. Obviously, this means he will miss the remainder of the season.”
Osborne-Paradis, 26, crashed after one of his skis appeared to get caught on the famous Verte course.
He did not suffer a head injury and his ribs, while sore, are not broken.
“Our thoughts are with him,” said National team member Erik Guay, of Mont-Tremblant, Que. “It’s tough any time somebody goes down.”
Osborne-Paradis was skiing well before his crash and had been in contention for a potential podium finish.
“He had a lot of speed and was on track for a good result,” said head coach Paul Kristofic.
