Rising snowboarding star Malena Zamfirova is recovering after a serious collision with a skier in Spindleruv Mlyn, Czech Republic, on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The 16-year-old Bulgarian athlete, who recently earned her second World Cup podium finish this season, sustained multiple fractures and spinal injuries in the incident.
The accident occurred as Zamfirova concluded a training session with the Bulgarian team, preparing for the parallel slalom competition. According to reports, a skier, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, collided with the stationary snowboarder at high speed near the base of the ski lift. Zamfirova suffered severe injuries, including damage to her spinal cord.
Medical personnel immediately stabilized Zamfirova at the scene before she was airlifted to a hospital for emergency surgery, including life-saving procedures. Plans are underway to transfer her to a specialized clinic in Austria, pending her condition. The incident occurred just weeks after Zamfirova finished ninth in the parallel giant slalom at the Milano Cortina Olympic Games and her brother, Tervel Zamfirov, won a bronze medal in the same event.
Czech authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Zamfirova’s father and coach, Anatoliy Zamfirov, who also serves as the head coach of the Bulgarian snowboarding team, was present and has provided a statement to investigators.
The Bulgarian Ski Federation has issued a statement requesting support and prayers for Zamfirova’s swift recovery, a sentiment echoed by Bulgarian Minister of Sports Dimitar Iliev.
“I spoke with her father, it was a terrible accident, and unfortunately, Malena’s condition is extremely serious,” the federation statement read. “We hope she receives the best possible medical care and recovers as quickly as possible. The Bulgarian state will provide full support to the family. Anatoliy is seeking legal counsel and intends to file a lawsuit, and we support him in this.”
