In a tough turn of events at the Milan Cortina Games, Canadian snowboarder Elizabeth Hosking has confirmed that she has sustained a shoulder blade fracture following a crash during the women’s halfpipe final on Thursday. Despite the setback, the 24-year-old from Longueuil, Quebec, remains optimistic about her recovery and future on the slopes.
A Fracture and a Lesson Learned
Hosking revealed her injury via social media, stating, “Bones are very predictable in their healing, so as of right now, I am just looking forward to being back on my snowboard.” Her crash occurred while she attempted a frontside 900 — a complex move that involves a double-and-a-half twist — during her third run, as she aimed for a competitive score.
Reflecting on the moment of impact, she explained, “Honestly, I think I had it all under control until that landing. I was going bigger, spun not as fast… landed a little higher up on the wall. It just came at me quicker than expected.” The fall resulted in her absorbing much of the impact in her lower back before hitting her shoulder, leading to the fracture.
Looking Ahead
While the result was not what Hosking had hoped for, her resilience shines through. “I have been better for sure, but I have also been worse with less physical damage,” she remarked. “Not the outcome I was looking for last night, but I am looking forward to more snowboarding in the future.” Her experience as a three-time Olympian, having previously finished sixth in Beijing and 19th in Pyeongchang, fuels her determination to push for a medal in the future.
“I had to go big or go home,” Hosking stated, acknowledging the risks involved in competitive sport. “Unfortunately, this time it’s go home. But one day it will be go big.”
Support from Fellow Athletes
In a related story from Milan, Canadian women’s hockey coach Troy Ryan received encouraging words from veteran NHL coach Rick Bowness after his team faced a 5-0 defeat against the United States. Bowness, who has a wealth of experience across 38 seasons in the NHL, offered Ryan not only advice but also a reminder of the camaraderie that exists among coaches.
Ryan, hailing from Spryfield, Nova Scotia, noted Bowness’s thoughtful gesture. “That’s just a good human that has coached at a high level that has taken the time to reach out in those moments, which is pretty special,” he said. This interaction highlights the support network that exists within the sporting community, especially during challenging times.
Why it Matters
The challenges faced by athletes like Elizabeth Hosking are a stark reminder of the physical and mental demands of competitive sports. Injuries can be devastating, but Hosking’s positive outlook and determination to return to snowboarding underscore the resilience required in high-stakes environments. Her experience also serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that setbacks can pave the way for future successes. As the Milan Cortina Games continue, the focus on athlete health and well-being remains paramount, ensuring that they are supported not just in competition, but in recovery as well.
