Snowboarder Maëlle Ricker has had successful surgery to repair her wrist and expects to compete in Sochi.
Ricker, the 2010 Olympic champion at snowboard cross, injured her wrist during training on Jan. 28. Surgeons in Vail, Colorado realized the injury was more serious than anyone had anticipated – she had a compound fracture in her left forearm, according to a statement from Canada Snowboard. But according to the organization, the surgery went well.
“The surgery couldn’t have gone any better and we’re extremely pleased with the outcome,” Dr. Jim Bovard, medical director for Canada Snowboard, said in a statement.
Ricker is in a half-cast (or splint) and will return home to Squamish, B.C. for rest and rehabilitation, according to the statement. She will still be going to Sochi as part of the national team, leaving Feb. 8. Her event is scheduled for Feb. 16.
“My goal is to be ready for the start gate in Sochi but I’ll definitely hate pulling out of it!” said Ricker in a statement. At the beginning of every race, snowboarders yank a pair of handles at the gate to launch themselves down the slope – something which will hurt with a broken forearm.
“I’ve had a lot of injuries in my career and it’s important to stay positive and focus on the privilege of competing for Canada at the Olympics.”
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