World champion ski jumper Alex Loutitt is finding some positive aspects in her recovery journey following a severe 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 an Olympic test event in Predazzo, Italy.
As a result of the injury, Loutitt will not be participating in the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy, in February. Currently undergoing rehabilitation at Red Bull’s Athlete Performance Center in Salzburg, Austria, she acknowledges that it will be approximately a year before she can return to competitive jumping.
The injury occurred during a jump in the qualifying round on September 19 for the large hill event in Predazzo. Loutitt landed on plastic-coated turf, common during the summer Grand Prix season, which led to her knee buckling. Due to a previous knee surgery in 2022, she was aware of existing weakness in her knee, making the incident even more unfortunate.
Undergoing surgery in Innsbruck, Austria, under the care of orthopedic surgery and sports traumatology specialist Dr. Christian Fink, Loutitt faced challenges post-surgery, including concerns about blood clots that prevented her from traveling home.
While being part of Red Bull’s roster of athletes is often associated with financial gains and enhanced marketing opportunities, Loutitt is focusing on the lesser-known aspect of the partnership, emphasizing the emotional support and physical rehabilitation she is receiving at the Athlete Performance Center to cope with the setback to her Olympic aspirations.
Engaging in a range of therapies and treatments, including water therapy, anti-gravity treadmills, hyperbaric chambers, and various stimulation machines, Loutitt’s rehabilitation regimen is tailored to her needs, taking into account her attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis.
Reflecting on the challenges of the recovery process, Loutitt expressed gratitude for the personalized support she receives at the center. She remains motivated and optimistic about her progress, recognizing the importance of the community of athletes undergoing similar journeys.
Looking ahead, Loutitt plans to be present in Predazzo to support the Canadian team during the upcoming Olympics and to cheer on her boyfriend, Austrian athlete Daniel Tschofenig. Despite the disappointment of not being able to compete, she sees the situation as an opportunity for new experiences and potential roles supporting her team.
Acknowledging the significance of being there for loved ones, Loutitt remains resilient and determined to show her support, emphasizing the importance of standing by those who matter most during challenging times.