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Norwegian Freeskier William Bostadløkken Paralyzed After World Cup Training Crash

He has returned to Norway to begin rehabilitation after surgery in Denver did not prevent paralysis.

Overview

  • The 20-year-old lost orientation during his first training run at the Steamboat World Cup venue and crashed onto his head and back.
  • He was airlifted to a Denver hospital and operated on the next day, with doctors confirming paralysis from the T5–T6 level.
  • The impact caused multiple fractures to ribs, a shoulder, and two vertebrae, along with a spinal cord injury described as complete.
  • Bostadløkken says he is focusing on daily rehab work in Norway with support from his medical team, family, and his girlfriend Valentina.
  • In a public statement he vowed to keep fighting and expressed hope of skiing again, as fellow athletes including Rene Monteleone and Olympic champion Birk Ruud offered support.