Jackie Wiles Out of Olympics

By Published On: February 4th, 2018Comments Off on Jackie Wiles Out of Olympics

Speed skier Jackie Wiles will be unable to compete at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, according to the United States Olympic Committee and U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Wiles suffered injuries to her left knee and leg on Saturday, Feb. 3, in a crash during the World Cup downhill in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, won by teammate Lindsey Vonn.

German SID news agency reports indicate that Wiles suffered a cruciate ligament tear as well as fractures to her tibia and fibula.

“I am completely devastated and heartbroken that I’m unable to compete in my second Olympic Games, but this is the nature of our sport and I must stay positive,” said Wiles. “My teammates who have come back from injury give me hope that I too can come back stronger. Now I’ll shift my focus to rehabbing and getting strong for next World Cup season, and the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing. I will be rooting very hard for my teammates – who make up a strong women’s speed squad – and look forward to returning and joining them again next year!”

“We are all extremely disappointed that Jackie suffered this injury so close to the Games,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport Luke Bodensteiner. “It’s a big loss to our alpine ski team, especially after her very strong results this season. We will do everything we can to support her in her rehabilitation and we’re already looking forward to seeing Jackie back in competitive action, stronger than ever, as soon as possible.”

Wiles is one of three U.S. athletes to score a podium finish in women’s downhill this season with her third-place finish in the event in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, and a fifth place in the downhill at Lake Louise, Alberta, to open the speed season.

The USOC and U.S. Ski & Snowboard have not yet determined if her spot will be replaced under the team quota.

Release courtesy of U.S. Ski & Snowboard 

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