Kostner returns home

Kostner will adhere to medical advice

World Cup downhill champion Isolde Kostner is on her way back to Italy after crashing in training on Wednesday in Lake Louise.

Kostner will not participate in Friday's World Cup women's downhill races in Canada after suffering concussion and bruises.

And the Italian winter sports federation said its doctors will decide, after medical examinations in Milan, when the 27-year-old skier could return to action.

The Olympic silver medallist was knocked out after crashing into safety netting and had to be airlifted to hospital.

The 27-year-old complained of a sore neck and back when she eventually regained consciousness.

Kostner, winner of four of the last five downhills at the Canadian resort and the World Cup downhill champion last season, fell in the middle of the course.

She lay without moving for some time and needed a helicopter to transport her to the foot of the mountain.

Her trainer Vallerio Gherardi and three other people helped put her on the rescue sled and carry her into the mountain clinic.