French Skiing Prospect Injured – Will Miss the Olympics

French cross-country skier Flora Dolci, one of the top names in the national team, has suffered a paragliding accident, forcing her to miss the entire upcoming XC Skiing World Cup season and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

The accident occurred on Dolci’s 26th birthday, 9 October. She sustained a fractured vertebra in her lower spine and underwent surgery the following morning in Grenoble.

According to French newspaper L’Equipe, team doctor Thibault Barbe said that Dolci is in stable condition after the surgery, but it will take approximately six months before she can return to peak form.



Dolci’s absence leaves a significant gap in the French women’s team. In recent years, she has been France’s leading female skier, showing steady progress season after season.

Last season, Dolci’s best World Cup results were fifth and sixth place. Her top performances in major events include ninth place in the 50 km freestyle at the 2025 World Ski Championships and fourth place in the 10 km freestyle World Cup race in 2023.

French coach Alexandre Pouyé commented on the mixed emotions surrounding the news:

"There is relief and sadness – relief that it wasn’t worse, but sadness for everything we have worked for in preparing for the Olympics."

Cross-country skiing events at the Winter Olympics will be held in Val di Fiemme, Italy, from 7 to 22 February 2026.