Canadian Ski Jumper Alex Loutitt Faces Surgery, Misses 2026 Olympics

Canadian ski jumper Alex Loutitt will not participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics due to a knee injury sustained during a Summer Grand Prix competition. The injury occurred on September 22, 2025, at the Olympic jumps in Val di Fiemme, Italy, where Loutitt was competing.

Loutitt, who has made history as the first Canadian ski jumper to win world titles at both senior and junior levels, was promptly treated in a local hospital. She has since returned to Innsbruck, Austria, where she is scheduled to undergo knee surgery this week. The 21-year-old athlete is expected to face a rehabilitation period of approximately one year before she can return to competitive skiing.

Impact on Loutitt’s Career

The setback is particularly disappointing for Loutitt, who captured the title at the 2023 World Championship and contributed to Canada’s bronze medal in the mixed team event at the 2022 Olympics. She has also achieved 11 individual World Cup podiums, including two victories, solidifying her status as a leading figure in the sport.

In a statement, Loutitt expressed her deep disappointment at being unable to represent Canada at the upcoming Winter Games. “I am heartbroken that this injury will prevent me from representing Canada at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games,” she said. “I feel like I’m letting down my family, friends, and teammates as well as the incredible sponsors that have embraced my journey. This is the toughest part for me to accept.”

Despite the challenges ahead, Loutitt remains optimistic about her future in ski jumping. “I know that I am still young, and I am grateful for everything I’ve already achieved in ski jumping. This is a setback in my journey, but it’s not the end. I will put in as much hard work into my recovery as my Olympic journey has required,” she added.

The news of Loutitt’s injury has resonated throughout the ski jumping community and beyond, highlighting both the physical demands of the sport and the emotional toll injuries can take on athletes. As she embarks on her recovery, her supporters and fans will undoubtedly be following her progress closely, hoping for a strong return to the slopes.