Snowboarder Malena Zamfirova seriously injured in accident in the Czech Republic

Bulgarian alpine snowboarder Malena Zamfirova suffered a serious injury while preparing for the World Cup in Špindlerův Mlýn, Czech Republic, the Bulgarian Ski Federation told BTA.

Zamfirova, 16, was struck from behind by a drunk tourist who was descending the slope uncontrollably. She suffered multiple fractures in the impact and was airlifted to hospital. Doctors in the Czech Republic performed several emergency operations to stabilise the snowboarder. Later tonight, she is expected to be transferred by specialised medical transport to a clinic in Austria, where she will continue her treatment.

The accident occurred in a flat area near the lift station below the ski slope, in what is known as a “safe zone”. Many children and other tourists were nearby.

“Let us all pray for the speedy recovery of our girl,” the Bulgarian Ski Federation said.

Zamfirova began the season with a third-place finish in a World Cup race in Milly, China, and in February made her Olympic debut at the Milan-Cortina Games. In Livigno, the young Bulgarian finished tenth in the women’s parallel giant slalom.

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Her most recent start was in Krynica-Zdrój on 1 March, where she again impressed, finishing third.

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Editor: Miglena Ivanova