Bulgaria’s snowboard star Zamfirova injured in crash with drunk skier in Špindlerův Mlýn

Bulgaria’s snowboard star Malena Zamfirova was seriously injured after being hit by a skier while preparing for Saturday’s Snowboard World Cup race in Špindlerův Mlýn, the Czech Television reported on Thursday. The 16-year-old was struck from behind on Tuesday by an intoxicated skier reportedly speeding out of control downhill.

The crash happened in the run-out section of a black slope, outside the official race training area. Zamfirova was airlifted by helicopter to hospital in Hradec Králové with multiple fractures, including a broken femur, and a concussion, and underwent emergency surgery to stabilise her condition.

Zamfirova is considered one of the brightest talents in alpine snowboarding. She debuted in the World Cup last season and already has three podium finishes. She currently ranks tenth overall in the World Cup parallel events standings and also finished tenth at the recent Olympic Games.