The international ski federation (FIS) has banned drones after Austrian skier Marcel Hirscher was nearly struck by a drone during a recent competition in Italy, according to an Associated Press report.
Men's race direction Markus Waldner was adamant that the FIS will no longer allow drones on courses "as long as I am responsible...because they are a bad thing for safety," per the AP.
"It was huge luck that Marcel was not hurt," Waldner said. "I am very angry."
The drone fell from the sky, striking the area just behind Hirscher as he began his second run. Had the drone struck only a moment earlier, Hirscher could have been significantly injured.
"I didn't know what it was, but I felt something," Hirscher said. "I thought it was a course worker behind me, or a gate."
Per Waldner, the drone operator did not follow instructions not to fly over the course. The FIS had agreed on the use of drones on the conditions that they be flown "outside of the race track and follow the racer from a 15-meter (50-foot) distance."
Drones are a normal sight at most ski races at this point, the technology seen as a new way to improve the experience for viewers. Some countries, such as Austria and Switzerland, have tighter legal restrictions on the use of drones. Italy does not.
Hirscher, who finished second at the event, said that for his part, he was simply relieved to have avoided injury.
"You don't want to think about what could have happened when 10 kilograms (22 pounds) are coming down 20 meters (65 feet)," he told the AP. "That would have been a very serious, bad injury. There are a lot of cool things nowadays. But you have to guarantee the safety - and that was just insane."
Infront, the company responsible for the drone, indicated in a statement that it is still reviewing the crash.
