After finishing in fourth place in last week’s Val d’Isere giant slalom, 35-year-old French giant slalom specialist Thomas Fanara received news that he has suffered a tear to his right ACL, which he sustained during his second run.

The Frenchman did not look to be in much physical discomfort following his race, but was experiencing knee pain and after further examination, it was determined that he had endured an isolated rupture of his right ACL. According to the French ski federation, surgery is scheduled for this weekend and Fanara will unfortunately miss the remainder of the season.


The loss is a tough blow for the incredibly deep French men’s GS squad, who went first, third, fourth, and fifth in Val d’Isere.

Fanara took to Facebook to address his fans and expressed that he plans to continue competing through the 2018 season before giving any consideration to retirement.

“There are ups and downs, I just need to handle it as best as I can and move forward whatever happens!” he wrote. “Thank you to everyone for your messages filled with friendship and trust. Have a good end of the season.”

A staple on the World Cup giant slalom circuit for the better part of a decade, Fanara has one win and 10 additional podium finishes to his name. This will mark the third time Fanara has had knee surgery following operations in 2007 and 2009.