Calgary, Alta. (January 21, 2018) – Georgia Simmerling (West Vancouver, B.C.), one of Canada’s brightest ski cross stars, has suffered a devastating blow to her Olympic dreams. In front of a home crowd at the Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup at Nakiska, Simmerling had a spectacular crash. In the semifinals, Simmerling took flight over the second-last feature and landed roughly, resulting in two broken legs. She sustained a tibia and fibula fracture to her left leg and a tibia plateau fracture to her right leg.

She has undergone surgery in Calgary, Alta. A rod and screws were put in her left leg and screws were put in her right leg. Although an injury to an athlete at any time is devastating, the timing of Simmerling’s injury will take her out of the running for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

“I was having a pretty solid season so far,” said Simmerling. “I was really focusing on my technical cues during each race prep in order to perform at my best, be my best self, as oppose to the outcome of each race and the results. There was more stress on all of us inevitably this season, being an Olympic year. But I felt strong, focused and determined. I felt like I was using the pressure to help me perform at my best as oppose to it hindering me. You know injuries are a part of ski cross and it’s hard to avoid them. Unfortunately, I got injured at a pretty disappointing time in my season, right before the Games. I’m already wrapping my head around rehab, and going to tackle that like I take on anything: determined, with a little stubbornness and a lot of positivity. I know my Canada Ski Cross team will do me, and our entire country proud. I will be breaking TVs cheering for them at home.”

While the official ski cross team announcement will be made on Monday, Alpine Canada and Canada Ski Cross are disappointed to report that Simmerling will not be part of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games roster. As a medal hopeful and integral member of the team, Simmerling will be missed in PyeongChang and for the remainder of the season. Simmerling’s ski cross career has been incredibly successful, reaching the podium twice this season and nine times throughout her career.

Alpine Canada wishes Simmerling the very best in her recovery and rehab. As one of the most resilient members of the organization, we have no doubt she will return to her finest form as soon as possible.

ABOUT ALPINE CANADA

Alpine Canada is the national governing body for alpine, para-alpine and ski cross racing in Canada. With the support of valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium and the Canadian Olympic Committee, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, world championship and World Cup medallists to stimulate visibility, inspiration and growth in the ski community.