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British downhill skier Chemmy Alcott is recovering from surgery on a broken leg she suffered after a high speed crash during downhill practice in Lake Louise, Canada.
Alcott landed badly after after the first jump near the Coaches Corner section of the downhill course. According to race director John Cassel "It was brutal and the impact was serious. She broke her shin and another bone could be fractured in her right leg".
After the accident she was flown to a hospital in Banff and was soon keeping her fans updated on Twitter: Alcott said on Twitter: "Thank you everyone for everything. Insane that something that brings you so much pleasure can also bring so much pain."
Alcott had enjoyed a reasonable start to the season with a 27th place finish at Solden and was looking to build on last season's progress. With such a serious crash it is hard to see her competing again this season, yet no date for her return has yet been sent.
We wish her well and hope to see Chemmy flying the British flag as soon as possible.
Written by Charlie Hamilton-Beaufort