Calgary, Alta. (January 10, 2017) – Kelowna, B.C.’s Kelsey Serwa has been sidelined for the remainder of the ski cross season due to a knee injury sustained in training. While prepping for the Montafon (AUT) World Cup, Serwa misjudged one of the double features overshooting the jump and landing on the flat surface of the track, rather than the sloped area, causing damage to her knee due to extreme impact. 

“The impact took a chunk off my lateral femoral condyle, which basically means there was a divot in the cartilage on a bone in my knee,” said Serwa. “I knew that something wasn’t right as soon as it happened.”

Serwa received quick medical attention in Europe receiving an MRI in Austria before flying back to Canada to undergo surgery at the Banff Springs Hospital with Dr. Mark Heard. 

“Injuries are part of all sports but I’ve found that it is important for me to use this injury time efficiently,  finding a balance in other aspects of my life,” said Serwa. “It’s also important for me to have a positive attitude, no matter where I am in my life because it makes everything a lot easier to get through. My focus has always been to make the most out of every situation I’m put it.”

The 2014 Olympic silver medallist and 2016 X Games champion may be hanging up her skis for a few months, but it is projected she’ll be back on snow with the rest of the Canada Ski Cross Team by summer of 2017. 

Until then, Serwa is studying human kinetics at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, working to complete an undergraduate degree. Between classes and midterms, she’ll be in the gym focusing on recovery, rehabilitation and strength.

“I’m almost through two years of my degree and it’s a subject area I’m really passionate about and can easily relate to,” said Serwa. “When I’m not in class, I’ll be focusing on rehabilitation and being diligently dedicated to the gym so I can come back stronger than ever.” 

Follow along Serwa’s recovery on her Instagram page.

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.