In a heartbreaking setback for the Austrian women’s alpine team, 24-year-old speed specialist Magdalena Egger has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025-26 World Cup season — and the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics — after sustaining a severe right knee injury during Saturday’s downhill race in Zauchensee.
The crash occurred in the fourth women’s downhill of the season on the challenging Gamskogel-Kälberloch course. Egger lost balance, crossed her ski tips, and violently collided with the safety netting, leading to a roughly 25-minute race interruption. She initially stood up with a bloodied nose but was unable to continue and was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital for evaluation.
MRI scans later confirmed the grim diagnosis: a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a tear of the collateral ligament, and a contusion of the lateral meniscus in her right knee. Egger will undergo surgery in Innsbruck, with her season officially over.
Here is Egger in action during a previous downhill race, showcasing the speed and aggression that made her a rising star in Austrian skiing:
The injury comes as a major disappointment for Egger, who had been enjoying a breakthrough campaign. Just last month, she claimed her first World Cup podium with a strong second-place finish behind Lindsey Vonn in the season-opening downhill in St. Moritz. Ranked as the second-highest Austrian in the downhill standings entering Zauchensee, she was viewed as a key contender for Olympic selection and medal hopes in February.
Egger’s absence compounds the woes for Austria’s women’s speed squad, which has already been hit hard by injuries this season, including the recent loss of technical specialist and 2022 Olympic slalom silver medalist Katharina Liensberger to a serious knee issue in training.
Women’s head coach Roland Assinger expressed the team’s deep sorrow:
“That really hurts because Magdalena has had good results and performed well, also with regard to what is coming in February.”
Despite the somber news, the Zauchensee weekend delivered thrills elsewhere, with American legend Lindsey Vonn securing her 84th World Cup victory (and second this season) in the shortened downhill, followed by a U.S. double podium with Jacqueline Wiles in third.
Egger, a talented Vorarlberg native, has shown immense promise in recent years, including strong European Cup performances and her emergence as a reliable speed racer. The alpine community now rallies around her for what will be a long road to recovery.
The entire FIS Alpine family, fans, and fellow athletes send their heartfelt wishes for strength, determination, and a full, speedy comeback to the slopes. Get well soon, Magdalena 💙⛷️🇦🇹
Here are poignant images from the incident and Egger’s medical evacuation, capturing the harsh reality of the crash:
Austria’s rising speed talent will be deeply missed on the World Cup circuit and at the Olympics, but her resilience gives hope for a strong return in the future. 🏔️❄️
