French freestyle skier Tess Ledeux, an Olympic big air medalist, has decided to withdraw from the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Games due to ongoing recovery from a concussion sustained in a crash during a World Cup event last March. Ledeux, who finished second at the Beijing Olympics in 2018, has not participated in any competitions since the incident. The former world champion expressed that she will be sitting out the entire season to prioritize her recovery journey.
In a social media announcement on Thursday, Ledeux shared that, with the guidance of medical professionals, she made the tough choice to conclude her season prematurely. Despite hoping for a swift recovery initially, she continued to experience symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and dizziness, leading her to understand the complexities of physical and mental healing. Despite exploring various avenues to make a comeback for her third Olympics, Ledeux emphasized the importance of prioritizing her well-being above all else.
Acknowledging the disappointment of missing out on the upcoming Winter Games, the 24-year-old skier remains optimistic about her future in competitive skiing, setting her sights on the 2030 Olympics in France. She remains determined to overcome the challenges posed by her injury and return to the sport stronger in the years to come.