With fresh energy, a restructured team, and high expectations, Alexander “AJ” Ginnis, the reigning World Championship Slalom silver medalist, launched into the 2024-25 World Cup season. A former U.S. Ski Team member now representing his native Greece, Ginnis hoped to build on his historic achievement and deliver a breakthrough season. However, those plans quickly unraveled after just two races.
“It’s worse than expected, and I need surgery,” Ginnis told skinews.ch, confirming earlier reports of knee problems. “After that, I’ll have to take a break for three to four months before I can get back on skis.” For the 30-year-old silver medalist from the 2023 World Championships in Courchevel/Méribel, the competitive season is over. “I don’t know what to say. I’m hugely disappointed,” he admitted.
A Rare and Complex Injury
This time, Ginnis’ knee injury does not center on the cruciate ligaments—a common concern for ski racers. Instead, during fitness and strength training, he fractured an osteophyte, a bone growth in the knee joint that had developed over time.
“The part is obviously very large and it has to come out,” Ginnis explained. Osteophytes, or bone spurs, can form when degenerative issues like arthritis arise in joints. If left untreated, the broken piece could move freely and block the joint. Surgery is the only solution to prevent further damage and complications.
A Promising Start Ends Abruptly
On November 17, Ginnis celebrated his 30th birthday competing in the World Cup season opener in Levi, Finland. He was on track for a top-10 finish but made a late mistake on the steep slope, missing out on the second run. Days later in Gurgl, Austria, he finished 19th—a solid result but far below his usual expectations as one of the world’s top 12 slalom racers.
The injury now sidelines Ginnis from the rest of the season, including what would have been his fourth World Championships.
A Herculean Task Ahead
Morally and psychologically, the road to recovery looms large for Ginnis. Describing his challenge as a “Herculean task,” the Greek skier must navigate the physical and emotional toll of the setback as he works toward returning to the sport. For Ginnis, the journey back may prove to be his toughest race yet.
About the Author: Peter Gerber Plech
