Elena Gaskell Aims for Olympic Redemption After Injury Heartbreak

Elena Gaskell, a talented freestyle skier from Vernon, Canada, is seeking redemption at the upcoming Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. This follows a devastating injury that prevented her from competing at the Beijing Winter Olympics four years ago. The slopestyle qualification event kicks off on Saturday morning, marking what Gaskell hopes will be a triumphant Olympic debut.

In February 2022, Gaskell was poised to compete in her first Olympic event when she suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in her knee just one day before the competition. She was considered a medal contender at that time. The injury not only sidelined her from the games but also left her grappling with physical and emotional challenges throughout the event, where she was seen navigating the Olympic Village on crutches while masked under strict COVID-19 protocols.

Reflecting on her experience, Gaskell shared, “It was like all my dreams and everything that I wanted to happen… it felt like I was living in a movie. And then all of a sudden the crash happened and I was in pain.” The aftermath of her injury led to a period of depression, but Gaskell has emerged stronger, using her experience to advocate for mental health awareness among athletes.

Overcoming Adversity and Preparing for the Games

Since her injury, Gaskell has demonstrated resilience, recently achieving a bronze medal in a World Cup competition in Aspen, Colorado. This success, occurring just last month, has bolstered her confidence as she prepares for the Olympics. She noted that her journey back to competitive skiing has been a hard-fought one, particularly after suffering another ACL tear in her other knee last year.

“Those results were no sure thing,” Gaskell explained. “I only started competing last October, and I feared I might hit another low point in my life.” Drawing on the lessons learned from her first injury, she focused on maintaining a positive mindset throughout her recovery. “I just tried to come on snow this season and do the best that I could to get back here at the games, and try and have my redemption this time.”

As she approaches the Milano-Cortina Games, Gaskell is determined to block out any fears of re-injury. “I try and cut out the words like, ‘Don’t get hurt,’ or ‘try not to get hurt again,'” she told Sarah Penton, host of CBC’s Radio West. Instead, she emphasizes staying healthy and moving forward.

Family Support and Future Aspirations

Gaskell’s family is by her side in Italy, providing support that was absent during her previous Olympic experience. Her father, Ken Gaskell, expressed the significance of their presence this time, stating, “It was a really tough experience with us not being able to be there [in 2022].” He added that witnessing his daughter’s hard work and recovery makes this Olympic opportunity even more rewarding.

The upcoming games represent not just a chance for Gaskell to compete but also to showcase her growth as an athlete and an advocate for mental health. As she prepares to take the stage in slopestyle and big air events, she carries with her the lessons learned from both triumphs and setbacks, reflecting her commitment to the sport and her journey.

The Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics are set to begin on February 6, 2026, and Gaskell is ready to embrace the challenge ahead, determined to seize the opportunity that was taken from her four years ago.