Kiwi Skier’s Olympic Dream Nearly Shattered by Life-Changing Injury
Kiwi skier’s Olympic dream faced a severe challenge due to a life-changing injury. On November 11, just under three months before the Winter Games, the athlete feared that her Olympic aspirations were slipping away. The upcoming slopestyle qualification was scheduled for February 7, leaving little time for recovery.
Miraculous Recovery
After consulting with a medical team in New Zealand, she was informed that she could return to skiing in just eight weeks. This unexpected news brought a glimmer of hope. “I couldn’t believe it,” she recalled. Her father was equally astonished, as their conversation revolved around the potentially life-altering prognosis.
- Date of Injury: November 11
- Slopestyle Qualification: February 7
- Estimated Recovery Time: Eight weeks
Dedication and Hard Work
In the following weeks, she dedicated herself to intensive training. She focused on strengthening her body to ensure a successful return to the slopes. After two months of rigorous gym workouts, she finally was able to ski again just three weeks before the Games.
Recent Achievements
This injury coincided with an otherwise successful year for the skier. She had recently showcased her skills by earning a podium spot in slopestyle at the FIS World Cup event in Tignes, France. Her performance throughout the year consistently placed her in the top 10, with notable finishes including a fifth and a seventh place.
Adjusting Expectations for the Olympics
With limited time for preparation, her outlook for the upcoming Olympic Games in Italy shifted. “I have to respect what’s happened and not try and bite off more than I can chew,” she stated. Despite the mental challenges posed by returning to skiing, she expressed pride in her comeback.
The experience has not only tested her physical limits but also her mental resilience. “Doing that trick again is pretty scary,” she admitted. Nevertheless, she remains hungry for success and is ready to face the challenges ahead.
