British former Olympian Chemmy Alcott has sustained significant injuries while on holiday in Annecy, France. The athlete, known for her career in alpine skiing, revealed via an Instagram video that she experienced a collapsed lung following a dive off a five-metre platform.
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At 44 years old, Alcott attempted a front flip, which resulted in a hard landing and the unfortunate collapse of her lung. The athlete explained that she needed a chest drain, commonly referred to in the United States as a chest tube, to address the problem. This tube is utilised for the removal of air or fluid from the chest cavity, as detailed by the American Lung Association.
In a candid post on her social media, Alcott shared the harrowing details of her accident. “Most people badly time a front flip off a five-metre platform and get winded,” she wrote. “I apparently don’t do things by halves. Collapsed lung, chest drain and a very expensive lesson in rotation.”
Alcott described how the situation quickly deteriorated after her dive. “Turns out 5 metres is quite a long way to discover you’ve got the rotation wrong,” she noted, reflecting on the unexpected course her holiday had taken. The skier had intended to enjoy her time in Annecy, stating, “I absolutely LOVED Annecy… but I’m not entirely sure it loved me back.”
Alongside her message, Alcott posted a video documenting the dive, showing her landing feet-first in the water. This footage was juxtaposed with a photo of herself in a hospital gown, adorned with medical wires, and an image depicting the chest drain inserted beneath her arm. She continued to update her followers, expressing embarrassment over her mishap. “I actually went back up straight away in embarrassment and did this so I wasn’t making a big deal out of it,” she recalled. However, she soon realised something was seriously amiss, saying, “Then I realised I still couldn’t breathe properly and should probably go and get it checked out.”
Reactions from her followers came swiftly, with many offering their support. Notable comments included well-wishes from fellow athlete Tom Daley, who remarked on the inherent dangers of diving: “Diving is crazy!” Others echoed similar sentiments, urging her to prioritise her recovery as they reacted to the challenging images she shared.
This incident occurred approximately six months after Alcott reported on her close friend, Lindsey Vonn’s, accident during the 2026 Winter Olympics. Commentating for BBC Sport, Alcott showcased notable emotional resilience as she recounted witnessing Vonn’s devastating crash during the women’s downhill event. At that time, Vonn was already competing with a ruptured ACL from a prior injury, intensifying the drama and concern surrounding her condition.
Reflecting on Vonn’s accident, Alcott articulated her emotional turmoil, stating, “I actually feel guilty that I’m this emotional, but when we thought about the end of this story… I just never believed that it would end in her in a clump at the side of the piste not moving. This is an absolute nightmare.” Her words underscored the close-knit bond within the skiing community and the intense pressure athletes often face.
In past accolades, Alcott has recognised Vonn as a trailblazer in women’s skiing. Following Vonn’s retirement announcement in 2019, she praised her as a “pioneer” and acknowledged the indelible mark she left on the sport. “She changed our sport for the better in so many ways, and women’s ski racing will forever owe her so much,” Alcott asserted on X.
Despite the unfortunate incident, Alcott’s resilience and good humour emerged through her social media updates, portraying her characteristic spirit. As she navigates her recovery, her community of supporters continues to rally around her, wishing her strength as she faces this unexpected chapter in her life. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with high-adrenaline sports, even during leisurely pursuits.