Australian two-time world air champion Laura Peel, who was unable to recover from a serious knee injury, has withdrawn from the Olympic Games.
Peel is the fourth Australian to withdraw from the Olympic Games due to injury. He joins snowboarders Cam Bolton and Misaki Vaughan, as well as teenage freeskier Daisy Thomas.
Peel tore her ACL in early February during a pre-Games training camp in Airolo, Switzerland, but refused to give up hope of winning her first medal at her fourth Olympics.
Before the injury, Peel had achieved impressive form by winning a recent World Cup event in Canada, and was considered a strong medal prospect in Italy.
However, when official training at the competitive jumping ground started, she realized she could not compete and decided to withdraw.
“I am devastated that my Olympic dream has come to an end in this way,” the 36-year-old said.
“I put everything into this campaign and never thought I wouldn’t make it to the starting gate.
“I am grateful for all the support I have received from the medical and support teams. We have worked so hard to change this outcome, but unfortunately this is not the intention.”
Her withdrawal is also a blow to Australia’s hopes in the mixed team event, the first time they would field a team of three skiers, with Peel competing alongside Danielle Scott and Reilly Flanagan.
The Australian team is looking for a replacement athlete for the aerials competition.
On Friday, snowboarder Cam Bolton had to be medically transported back to Australia from Italy after breaking his neck and back in a terrifying training accident before his race.
Young freeskier Daisy Thomas also suffered a knee injury in a fall, while Misaki Vaughan was ruled out of making her debut after failing a head injury assessment (HIA) after hitting her head during training on Monday.
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