Mélanie Meillard Injured Ahead of Levi Slalom

Swiss alpine skier Mélanie Meillard will not participate in the first slalom of the 2026/2027 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season in Levi, Finland. As of November 13, 2026, it is confirmed that the 28-year-old athlete sustained a knee injury during training, forcing her to withdraw from the competition.

Why it is trending now

The search interest surrounding Mélanie Meillard has surged following reports from Swiss media, including RTS and 20 Minuten, confirming her injury just days before the scheduled race in Lapland. Fans were anticipating her return to the slopes, as she had expressed ambitions to match the performance levels she displayed during the recent Olympic Games.

Key facts

• Mélanie Meillard sustained a knee injury during training, as reported by RTS and 20 Minuten.
• The athlete is a native of the Valais region and resides in Hérémence.
• The first slalom of the season in Levi is set to take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, with coverage on RTS2.
• Other Swiss skiers, including Camille Rast and Wendy Holdener, remain in the field for the event.

Why this is trending in Switzerland

Mélanie Meillard is a prominent figure in the Swiss alpine skiing community, and her sudden withdrawal has drawn significant attention from fans across the country. The news is part of a wider trend of interest in the Swiss squad's performance at the season-opening events in Finland.

Background and context

Meillard had recently completed an eight-month break and preparation period with the goal of competing throughout the current season. Her previous competitive focus was aimed at maintaining the momentum she built during the Olympic Games in Cortina. Her absence from the Levi slalom marks a disruption to her planned start to the World Cup season.

What happens next

Details regarding the severity of the knee injury or a potential timeline for her return to competition were not available at the time of writing. The Swiss team continues its preparations for the race in Levi, with other athletes expected to compete in the slalom event this weekend.