In a devastating blow to her Olympic ambitions, top alpine skier Mikaela Jensen has suffered a serious injury during training, leaving her sidelined for several months and putting her participation in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games in jeopardy.
The 26-year-old American athlete was undergoing high-intensity preparation on Wednesday when she lost balance during a downhill run and crashed violently. Medical reports have since confirmed that Jensen has sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee — an injury that typically requires surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
A spokesperson from the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association stated, “We are heartbroken to confirm that Mikaela Jensen has suffered a significant injury that will require a long recovery period. While her Olympic participation is uncertain at this stage, we remain hopeful about her progress.”
Jensen, a World Cup podium regular and one of the USA’s strongest medal hopefuls in the alpine skiing events, had been tipped for a standout performance this summer. Her absence would be a significant loss for Team USA.
Support has poured in from fans and fellow athletes alike. Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn posted on social media, “Stay strong, Mikaela. You’ve overcome so much already — you’ll come back stronger.”
As of now, Jensen is scheduled to undergo surgery later this week, followed by a comprehensive recovery program. More updates are expected as her condition evolves.
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