Canadian ski jumper Alex Loutitt, the world champion, is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a severe knee injury. Loutitt, who made history as the first Canadian to win 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 able to compete in the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy, in February. She is currently in Salzburg, Austria, undergoing rehabilitation at Red Bull’s Athlete Performance Center, where she is facing a year-long recovery process.
The injury occurred during a jump in the large hill qualifying event in Predazzo when Loutitt’s leg buckled upon landing on plastic-coated turf instead of snow, a common practice during the summer Grand Prix season. Having undergone knee surgery in 2022, Loutitt was aware of pre-existing weaknesses in her knee that led to the injury.
Following surgery in Innsbruck, Austria, conducted by orthopedic specialist Dr. Christian Fink, Loutitt faced challenges due to post-operative complications, including blood clots, which prevented her from returning home immediately. Despite the setback, Loutitt praised the emotional support and physical therapy she has received at Red Bull’s Athlete Performance Center.
Devoting her days to water therapy, anti-gravity treadmills, hyperbaric chambers, and various rehabilitation equipment, Loutitt also highlighted the consideration given to her attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) during therapy sessions. She expressed gratitude for the support from fellow athletes in similar situations and the understanding of her individual needs by the APC staff.
While her Olympic dreams for 2026 have been temporarily dashed, Loutitt remains positive about potential new opportunities that may arise from her injury. She aims to attend the upcoming Olympic Games to support the Canadian team and her Austrian boyfriend, Daniel Tschofenig. Despite the disappointment of not competing, Loutitt remains hopeful and committed to showing up for those who matter most to her.