“Vertebral fracture and damage to fragments”
Ski jumper shares serious diagnosis after serious fall
March 25, 2026 – 2:56 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
He actually ended his career about a year ago. A test jump ended worse than expected for Andrea Campregher.
The Italian ski jumper Andrea Campregher has corrected his diagnosis after his serious fall during a test jump on the ski jumping hill in Vikersund. In an interview with “skijumping.pl”, the 24-year-old said: “I have a fractured vertebra and damage to the vertebral fragments above and below.”
Campregher had already undergone surgery last Saturday. “Two plates were inserted and six screws were fastened. I’m fine, I can even walk now.” Recovery continues. “I’m not allowed to put any weight on my spine for six to eight months until the doctors remove everything,” Campregher explained.
The Italian lost control during the flight while preparing for the final World Cup weekend. His left ski tipped over, Campregher rolled over while still in the air and hit the snow hard. He then slid down the slope and remained motionless in the run-out. Paramedics rushed over, treated the former World Cup jumper and ultimately transported him on a stretcher and he was taken to the hospital in nearby Drammen.
Initially it was said that Campregher had only broken a rib. According to the report, the statement was based on a translation error.
Campregher had actually ended his career around a year ago; he had not made his breakthrough in the World Cup. Two eighth places were his best results. The 24-year-old then worked as an official test jumper in Vikersund. He had problems on his first attempt, but was able to avoid a fall.
However, his suit lost tension, as Campregher said. “I put an elastic band in my suit to make sure I pass the stride length test in the suit.” This turned out to be too soft and too long. “I should have withdrawn, but I decided to try one more jump,” Campregher explained how, from his perspective, the bad fall came about.
