Champion skier critically injured in training accident

INNSBRUCK, Austria -- Super-G World Cup champion Regine Cavagnoud was hospitalized in life-threatening condition Monday after colliding with a German coach while training on a glacier.

"The patient suffered serious head injuries, a serious injury of the brain and several fractures in the face," Dr. Michael Blauth, head of the accident surgery ward of Innsbruck University Clinic, told the Austria Press Agency.

Other injuries included broken ribs and damage to the liver, Blauth said.

"The total of all injuries amounts to an acute danger to the life," the doctor was quoted as saying. The coach, identified as Markus Anwander, also was in life-threatening condition, with head, facial and internal injuries, he said.

Cavagnoud underwent several hours of surgery before being transferred to the trauma intensive-care ward of Innsbruck's University Clinic. Doctors said that details of the surgery and Cavagnoud's condition would be released today.

Cavagnoud had a brief cardiac arrest after the accident, but she was revived by her coach, said Phillipe Auer, a race manager.

Ski officials said Cavagnoud crashed headfirst into Anwander as he crossed her path. Several national ski teams are currently training on Austrian glaciers at the start of the World Cup racing season.

Cavagnoud is the defending World Cup champion in the Super-G and was third last season in the overall cup standings.