Christof Innerhofer in tears over Matteo Franzoso

Christof Innerhofer is in tears for Matteo Franzoso, his youngest teammate who died from injuries sustained in a disastrous training fall in Chile.

“I have already experienced a lot in my career but this no – the 40-year-old from Bruneck wrote on his social media -: endless pain. Matte, when I saw where you had fallen, where they were doing the rescues, the fence torn down and you on the other side, I went out of my mind because I feared for the gravity of the situation. What a tragedy to lose a comrade like that. In the days afterwards I saw the empty chair at the table: it doesn’t seem real to me.”

Three lives cut short in not even a year

“These are the hardest days I’ve experienced as an athlete, and that’s why I came home out of respect and because, for me, continuing doesn’t make sense. Matteo, I will always remember you for our chats, for the positivity and cheerfulness you brought everywhere,” added the 2014 Sochi silver and bronze medalist.

“I am sure that from up there you will be cheering for us. Know that we will ski for you too,” the conclusion of a devastated Innerhofer.