Whitefish’s Maggie Voisin is out of the Winter Olympics after injuring her leg during training on Friday, according to a press release from Team USA.
The 15-year-old freeskier was set to compete early next week but fractured her right leg on a rail feature on the much-maligned slopestyle course at the Rosa Khutor Extreme Park, near Sochi, Russia.
Team USA officials said Voisin would not be replaced following her injury.
“I have never been so frustrated and I’m disappointed to announce that yesterday in training I fractured my fibula right above my ankle,” she said via Instagram. “Even though I will not be able to compete in Sochi I’m fortunate to be able to look back on such an amazing season. I never thought to come as far as I did and I’m honored to have had all these experiences. I’m going to enjoy every minute here in Sochi and I’m looking forward to supporting my team, my friends, and everyone participating in the games. I want to thank everyone for all of your support especially to my family, friends, hometown, and sponsors. None of this would have been possible without you and I can’t wait for many more years ahead!”
Voisin was the youngest Winter Olympian on Team USA since 1972. Despite falling short of her Olympic dreams, Voisin has already had an impressive season. Just over a week ago she claimed a silver medal at the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colo. and was one of the youngest skiers ever to compete.
“Maggie distinguished herself as one of the top slopestyle athletes in the world for qualifying for Team USA,” said U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association Executive Vice President Luke Bodensteiner. “We’re disappointed for her in being unable to start but have great respect for what she accomplished to get here.”
The Olympic slopestyle course has been a hot topic of discussion for its safety and size and has come under fire from some athletes including Shaun White, who dropped out of the snowboard event.
UPDATE:
Voisin offered further comment to the Beacon Saturday morning from Sochi:
“I’m extremely disappointed to not be skiing in the first ever women’s slopestyle competition here in Sochi this week. This whole season has been a dream, and to get this close and then not be able to ski is heartbreaking. But I will heal soon and be back competing in no time. I have lots of skiing in front of me. Now I will just try and have fun and enjoy the rest of the Olympic experience.”