German alpine skiing star Felix Neureuther was involved in a car accident on Friday morning on the way to the airport to compete at the Sochi Olympics.
A spokesman for the German Skiing Federation said the slalom world championship silver medallist was being examined in Munich for a possible whiplash injury.
Neureuther did not board the plane from Munich to Sochi via Frankfurt but was expected to take a later flight, his father Christian Neureuther told DPA .
Neureuther, 29, struck a barrier on the autobahn after losing control of his car in icy conditions, Christian Klaue, spokesman for the German Olympic Association DOSB, said.
“He was able to carry on driving and is now being treated,” he said.
Neureuther is regarded as a strong medals candidate in slalom and giant slalom. He has three World Cup victories in the current season.
His biggest rival and slalom top favourite Marcel Hirscher was quick to send a get-well message on his Facebook page.
“Felix Neureuther, what are you up to?! Make sure you get fit quick. I keep my fingers crossed,” the Austrian slalom world champion wrote.
Hirscher, World Cup winner for the past two years and current overall, slalom and giant slalom leader, plans to fly to Sochi on Sunday.
The giant slalom is being held on Wednesday with the slalam the following Saturday.
