World champion ski jumper, Alex Loutitt, is on the road to recovery after sustaining a serious knee injury. The 21-year-old athlete from Calgary, who made history by becoming the first Canadian to claim a world title in women’s large hill ski jumping in 2023, tore her left knee’s anterior cruciate ligament during an Olympic test event in Predazzo, Italy.
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 is currently undergoing rehabilitation at Red Bull’s Athlete Performance Center in Salzburg, Austria, where she anticipates a year-long recovery before returning to competition.
The injury 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, who had previous knee surgery in 2022, was aware of the existing weakness in her knee, making the injury particularly challenging.
Following surgery in Innsbruck, Austria, performed by specialist Dr. Christian Fink, Loutitt remains in Austria due to post-operative precautions. Despite the setback to her Olympic aspirations, Loutitt acknowledges the support and emotional healing she has received at the Athlete Performance Center.
Loutitt’s daily routine now includes water therapy, anti-gravity treadmills, hyperbaric chambers, and various therapeutic machines. She also emphasizes the importance of accommodating her attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosed at age 18 during her recovery sessions.
While disappointed about missing the Olympics, Loutitt remains positive, focusing on potential new opportunities that may arise. She plans to be present in Predazzo to support the Canadian team and cheer on her boyfriend, Daniel Tschofenig, during the games.
Despite the challenges, Loutitt’s determination and support system continue to drive her towards a successful return to ski jumping, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and supporting loved ones during tough times.