World champion ski jumper Alex Loutitt is finding some positives during her recovery journey from a serious knee injury. The 21-year-old athlete from Calgary, who made history as the first Canadian to claim a world title in women’s large hill skiing in 2023, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during the Olympic test event in Predazzo, Italy, last September.
As a result of the injury, Loutitt will not be able to participate in the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy, scheduled for February. She shared from Salzburg, Austria, where she is undergoing rehabilitation at Red Bull’s Athlete Performance Center, that she anticipates it will be a year before she can return to competition, acknowledging the reality of her situation.
The incident occurred during a jump in the large hill qualifying round in Predazzo, where athletes land on plastic-coated turf instead of snow during the summer Grand Prix season. Loutitt had prior knowledge of a weakness in her knee due to a previous surgery in 2022, and the unfortunate landing exacerbated the issue.
Following the injury, Loutitt underwent surgery in Innsbruck, Austria, conducted by orthopedic surgery and sports traumatology specialist Dr. Christian Fink. Due to post-operative complications, she was advised against traveling back home immediately.
While being associated with Red Bull typically brings financial benefits and enhanced marketing opportunities, Loutitt is currently experiencing the lesser-known side of this affiliation. She expressed gratitude for the emotional support and physical rehabilitation she has received at the Athlete Performance Centre, helping her come to terms with the setback to her 2026 Olympic aspirations.
Engaging in various therapies like water therapy, anti-gravity treadmills, hyperbaric chambers, and specialized machines for stimulation, Loutitt is adhering to a structured rehabilitation routine. Her sessions also consider her attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis, ensuring they are short and purposeful to accommodate her needs.
Despite the challenges, Loutitt remains positive and motivated, crediting the support she receives at the Athlete Performance Centre for her progress. She plans to be present in Predazzo during the Olympic Games to support the Canadian team and her Austrian boyfriend, Daniel Tschofenig.
While acknowledging the disappointment of missing the Olympics, Loutitt sees this period as a potential opportunity for personal growth and new experiences. She values the support she can provide to her loved ones and remains hopeful for the future beyond her current setback.
Overall, Loutitt’s journey towards recovery and resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to fellow athletes facing similar challenges.
