Just before World Championships in Are, Sweden, the United State’s Laurenne Ross took a hard crash during training warm-ups, putting her out for the rest of the season. For a while, the true damage was inconclusive. MRI results didn’t show significant damage, but Ross knew that something was wrong. After seven weeks of uncertainty, Ross made a decision to go under the knife to discover what the clicking, catching, and swelling in her knee was all about.

Unfortunately for Ross, the scope revealed there was more damage to her knee than expected. Both Ross’ LCL and meniscus had been torn and were in need of repair. Her tibula-fibula joint also needed reconstruction. The concussion she received during the same crash has been well monitored, and as of last week, her brain has been deemed healthy.

In her Instagram update regarding the injury, Ross wrote:

“Coming back strong from an injury is not just a matter of physical fitness, but also one of emotional resilience. My mental health is as important to me as my physical health, so in order to make a strong recovery, I know I need to take my time and take care of my body as well as my mind. And that’s my plan for this injury! I am already desperate to get back on my feet (and do fun things) and get strong, but in order to get back to full health, I know I need to commit to the quality of my recovery. Inside and out.
Each day is a small step, and I’m taking it as it comes.”

So far, Ross has not expanded on her plans to return to the World Cup circuit next season.