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Norwegian Freestyle Skier William Bostadløkken Confirms Paralysis After World Cup Training Crash

He has begun rehabilitation in Norway following surgery in Denver.

Overview

  • He was injured during the first training session before the Big Air World Cup in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
  • He lost orientation in the air and landed on his head and back, suffering broken ribs, a shoulder injury, and fractures to two thoracic vertebrae.
  • Rescuers flew him to a Denver hospital, where he underwent surgery and was diagnosed with a complete spinal cord injury at the T5–T6 level.
  • He has publicly vowed to keep fighting through rehab and says he dreams of skiing again despite an uncertain prognosis.
  • Family, his partner Valentina, Norway’s freestyle team, and fellow athletes have offered strong support as the 20-year-old pauses a rising career that included World Cup starts and a recent Europacup win.