Injured Australian Aerials Champion Withdraws from Olympics
Laura Peel, a two-time aerials world champion from Australia, has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Olympics due to a serious knee injury. The injury occurred at a pre-Games training camp in Airolo, Switzerland, where she ruptured her ACL earlier this February. Despite her hopes of earning her first Olympic medal at her fourth appearance, the severity of her injury prevented her from competing.
Switching Plans: A Tough Decision
Before the injury, Peel demonstrated exceptional form, recently winning a World Cup event in Canada. Her performance positioned her as a strong contender for a medal in Italy. However, as official training began on the competition jump site, reality struck. Peel concluded that she was not physically fit to compete.
“I’m heartbroken my Olympic dream has come to an end in this way,” said the 36-year-old athlete. She expressed gratitude to her medical and support teams for their efforts to change the outcome but acknowledged that it was not meant to be.
Impact on the Australian Team
Peel’s withdrawal significantly impacts Australia’s mixed team event. This was to be the first time Australia planned to field a three-skier team, with Peel teamed alongside Danielle Scott and Reilly Flanagan. Her absence represents a setback for the Australian team.
- Laura Peel—36 years old, two-time aerials world champion.
- Injury: Ruptured ACL sustained in February 2023.
- Previous success: Won World Cup event in Canada before injury.
- Impact: Withdrawal affects mixed team event in the Olympics.
- Other athletes withdrawn due to injury:
- Cam Bolton (snowboarding)
- Misaki Vaughan (snowboarding)
- Daisy Thomas (freeskiing)
The Australian team is now working to find a replacement athlete to fill her spot in the aerials competition. Despite the challenges, the team remains focused on their goals at the upcoming Olympic event.
