One of Australia’s gold medal hopes, Laura Peel, has been left “absolutely heartbroken” after withdrawing from the 2026 Winter Olympics.
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Peel, a two-time world champion and one of the favourites to win the women’s aerials, was set to compete on Tuesday but her participation was in doubt after she injured her knee in training camp.
Peel had never won an Olympic medal but was hoping to change that at this year’s Games, only to announce on Instagram on Saturday night that she has been forced to withdraw.
“Absolutely heartbroken to say I will not be competing at the 2026 Olympics,” Peel wrote.
“Two weeks ago, I took a hit in training and ruptured my ACL, along with a couple of other things.
“I have given absolutely everything to keep this Olympic dream alive, but ultimately my knee is not stable enough to fall 15m from the sky, no matter how much my heart wants it.
“Coming into these Games, I was feeling calm and ready knowing that there was nothing more I could have done to prepare for this moment. But, it is not to be.
“I’m very grateful for the medical and support teams who have backed me in exploring every option, even if they thought my optimism was bordering on delusion.
“Thankyou to everyone who has reached out with such kind words, and those who stand out in the cold with me as I weather this storm.
“Today, this sport feels cruel, but the people it has brought into my life will always mean more than any medal ever could (both would have been nice though).”
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