Swiss bobsledder Sandro Michel underwent a second operation at the Dresden University Hospital in eastern Germany on Thursday following serious injuries to his hip. The pusher, who won bronze at the 2023 World Bobsleigh Championships, also suffered serious chest injuries in the crash of the bob piloted by Michael Vogt in Altenberg on Tuesday. 

The 27-year-old is in a stable condition. Examinations have not revealed any head or spinal injuries. The optimal time for his return to Switzerland is currently being assessed. Vogt, who suffered a severe concussion and bruises in the crash, and the other pushers, Dominik Hufschmid and Andreas Haas, who suffered minor injuries, have already returned to Switzerland for medical checks. Both are in the process of recovery.

Brakeman Sandro Michel, who also has three medals from the European Bobsleigh Championships, was thrown from the sled during the four-man crash, lay on the track and was hit by the sled as it returned uncontrolled from the finish area, sustaining serious injuries. 

The other Swiss teams in Altenberg have decided to compete in the World Cup next weekend. Swiss Sliding has left this decision to the teams and supports the athletes' determination. Swiss Sliding's Board of Directors and Management have decided not to comment on the current safety debates at this time, but to concentrate fully on supporting the injured athletes and the other teams.

However, Swiss Sliding supports the efforts and commitment of the athletes to improve safety and has become involved at the right time.