Daniel Hemetsberger Survives High-Speed Crash Ahead of Olympic Downhill
BORMIO, 07 February 2026 — Austrian speed specialist Daniel Hemetsberger has dominated headlines this week following a terrifying incident during the second men’s downhill training session. Despite a high-speed crash that saw the veteran racer lose his helmet, the 34-year-old is showing the resilience that has defined his late-career surge in the Alpine Skiing World Cup circuit.
The Bormio Training Incident
During the final preparations for the Olympic downhill events in Bormio, Italy, Hemetsberger suffered a violent fall on Thursday. The impact was severe enough to strip the helmet from his head as he slid across the ice. Initial reports from the Austrian camp described the scene as “terrifying,” yet the athlete emerged with injuries that, while painful, are not considered season-ending.
Injury Status and Recovery
Following the crash, Hemetsberger was treated for a broken nose, significant lacerations to his cheek, and a severely bruised left eye. He also reported a sore leg. Despite the physical toll, the racer has been described as a “happy psychopath” by observers for his eagerness to return to the snow. As of Saturday, 07 February, he is expected to attempt to compete in the upcoming scheduled races, pending final medical clearance.
Athlete Profile: Daniel Hemetsberger
Born on 23 May 1991 in Vöcklabruck, Upper Austria, Hemetsberger has become a cornerstone of the Austrian “Wunderteam.” Unlike many prodigies who find success in their early twenties, Hemetsberger’s rise to the elite podium ranks was a masterclass in persistence.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Hemetsberger |
| Date of Birth | 23 May 1991 |
| Age | 34 |
| Nationality | Austrian |
| Club | SV Unterach |
| Speciality | Downhill, Super-G |
| FIS Code | 53975 |
Career Highlights and Technical Style
Hemetsberger is widely recognised for his technical precision and consistency in the speed disciplines. He achieved his breakthrough World Cup podium in January 2022, a moment that solidified his status as one of the world’s premier downhillers.
Recent Performance
In the current 2025/26 season, Hemetsberger has remained competitive despite the fierce dominance of rivals like Marco Odermatt. His most recent recorded result prior to the Bormio training sessions was an 18th-place finish in the Beaver Creek Super-G. He has also been vocal regarding the technical side of the sport, recently suggesting that material advantages among rival teams are “within the realm of possibility” in the lead-up to the 2026 Winter Games.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Daniel Hemetsberger in Bormio?
During an Olympic downhill training session on 5 February 2026, Hemetsberger crashed at high speed, losing his helmet in the process. He sustained a broken nose, facial lacerations, and bruising, but avoided major neurological or skeletal injury.
Is Daniel Hemetsberger still competing?
Yes, he remains an active member of the Austrian Alpine Ski team. Despite his recent injuries, he is slated to participate in the Olympic downhill events scheduled for this weekend.
What are Hemetsberger’s best disciplines?
He specialises in the “speed” disciplines: Downhill and Super-G. He is known for his ability to maintain high speeds through technical turns where other racers often lose their line.
Which club does Daniel Hemetsberger represent?
He represents SV Unterach, a club based in the Upper Austria region.