Crash Paralyzes Swiss Skier

Swiss skier Silvano Beltrametti was paralyzed below the waist after a high-speed crash Saturday on an icy course at Val D’Isere, France, in the opening downhill of the World Cup season.

Beltrametti, 22, was flown to a hospital in Grenoble and was in stable condition. He had a fractured spine and bleeding in his lungs, an official of the Swiss team said.

Beltrametti finished third in a super-giant slalom race Friday at Val D’Isere.

Downhill skiers travel at speeds topping 75 mph, and Beltrametti was heading down the icy and bumpy course when he lost control. He hurtled into safety netting, tearing through it and going into a forest.

Team officials said Beltrametti did not hit any trees but was stopped by a padded pillar. Beltrametti was found conscious with his helmet split open.

As a rookie last season, Beltrametti was second in a downhill at Lake Louise, Canada, and fourth in the world championships at St. Anton, Austria.