Paragliding Community Rallies as Juraj Koren Launches Recovery Fundraiser

Family and friends of Slovak pilot and adventurer Juraj Koren have launched a fundraising campaign to support his recovery after he suffered spinal injuries during a flight in Austria’s Zillertal region on 26 June. Doctors say it could be a year before he is able to walk again.

Koren is a highly accomplished pilot who has competed in two editions of the Red Bull X-Alps and made goal in the 2025 event. He is also renowned for his remarkable climb-and-fly projects, including solo ascents of the classic alpine north faces of the Eiger and Matterhorn, as well as expeditions to the Indian Himalaya, Antarctica and Greenland.

In the days leading up to his accident, Koren had been pushing hard to break the European FAI triangle record. He flew 322km on 19 June, 268km on 22 June, 278km on 24 June and then came closest with a 350.87km flight on 25 June — just 8km short of the record set by Edouard Potel in August 2025.

The accident occurred the following day, a few hours into his flight. He suffered an asymmetric collapse at low altitude. His reserve parachute deployed but was unable to prevent the severe trauma to his spine.

“I lived my dream,” Koren wrote on Instagram. “Doctors said in one year I can walk and be back. A year. Now I am moving with my toes a bit. I am asking for help with all humility. I need the best technologies to get me back up.”

The campaign aims to raise EUR 85,000 to cover hospital costs, specialist neuro-rehabilitation and longer-term support. Those wishing to contribute can find the fundraiser at donio.sk/juraj-koren-way-to-walk-and-fly.

The paragliding community is urged to ensure they have the right insurance in place — including rescue cover, medical and travel insurance, liability cover and income protection — before heading out to fly.

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