Fund Established to Advance Ski Racer Safety
3rd November 2024
Last modified on November 7th, 2024
It has been set up by the family of the19-year old Italian skier Matilde Lorenzi who died in a training accident last week.
The teenage skier died in an accident as we reported at the time – Young Italian Ski Racer Dies in Training.
She was a specialist in speed events and was the Italian senior super-G champion last season.
She finished sixth in the downhill and eighth in the super-G at the 2024 Junior World Championships in Chatel, France.
Her best result in the European Cup, the last step before the World Cup, was an 11th place in super-G in December 2023 in St Moritz, Switzerland.
Her family have established a fund “Project in Memory of Matilde,” that is dedicated to advance skier safety.
Her father, Adolfo, wants a specialised airbag system for technical disciplines, similar to the mandatory safety measures already used in the World Cup speed races.
“We believe that what happened to Matilde must be an opportunity,” he said.
“We need a device that protects a skier better at the moment of impact.
“We believe her fate could have befallen other athletes.
“That’s why something must be done.”
He said that the family holds no one responsible for Matilde’s accident, expressing that she received the best care possible.
Her family said they hope to inspire positive change and a safer environment for the athletes who share her passion for skiing.
The International Ski Federation (FIS) and the Italian Ski Federation (FISI) have offered their condolences.
FISI President, Flavio Roda, suspended training sessions in her memory.
“The family, friends, and everyone who loved Matilde should feel embraced,” he said.
