Olympic big air silver medalist Tess Ledeux has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Games due to ongoing recovery from a concussion. The French freestyle skier, who finished second at the Beijing Olympics in 2018, has been sidelined since a crash during a World Cup event in March last year.
Ledeux, a former world champion, expressed that she will sit out the entire season to prioritize her recovery. In a social media post on Thursday, she shared, “With the guidance of medical professionals, I have made the difficult decision to end my season. It has been a challenging choice, as hope has been my driving force to push forward each day. This decision is incredibly tough, almost unbearable to accept. It feels unjust.”
Initially hopeful for a quick recovery after a brief period of rest, the 24-year-old skier revealed in October that symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and dizziness persisted. Following consultations with various specialists, Ledeux acknowledged the delicate balance between physical and mental well-being.
Despite exploring all possible avenues to make it to her third Olympics, Ledeux emphasized the importance of prioritizing her health. She affirmed, “One thing is certain: I will overcome this,” as she looks ahead to the 2030 Olympics in France.