Ice skater critically injured after 15ft fall in prep for Youth Olympic Games opening ceremony
A FEMALE ice skater is fighting for her life after a horror 15ft fall during a rehearsal for the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games.
The 35-year-old woman, who has not been named, is reported to have crashed onto the ice rink below after losing her balance on a ring system.
A criminal investigation has now been launched following the shock scenes at Vaudoise Arena in Lausanne, Switzerland, where the Games start tomorrow.
Police spokeswoman Olivia Cutruzzola said there was no fault with the system in place and that the accident appeared to be the fault of the performer.
She said: "The system has not given up, it is the skater who has been unbalanced."
The critically injured woman will not compete in the two-week-long Games because it is for those aged 18 and under.
Still, the opening ceremony is set to go ahead in the same arena despite safety fears following the woman's fall.
'HER LIFE IS IN DANGER'
A police statement read: "A 35-year-old Russian skater, resident in Germany, fell from a height of 15ft in Malley's ice rink.
"During her act, the skater was towed in elevation by a metal ring system connected by a cable motor fixed to the ceiling of the Vaudoise Arena.
"For a reason that the investigation will have to determine, she suddenly lost her balance and fell on the ice from a height of about 15ft.
"Seriously injured, she was taken to Lausanne University Hospital by ambulance.
"Her life is in danger.
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"A criminal investigation was opened by the prosecutor."
An official statement from the International Olympic Committee said: "The IOC and Lausanne 2020 are saddened to hear of an accident suffered by a performing artist during the opening ceremony rehearsal for the Youth Olympic Games.
"The IOC and Lausanne 2020 wish the performer a fast and full recovery."
