Injury

Martin Labra jump crash

Injury Update: Martin Labra Sidelined After Jump Crash

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Injury update: Martin Labra sidelined after jump crash

Martin Labra jump crash

Image: @tincho.ski

By Jack Burden

SANTIAGO, Chile – Chilean water-skiing sensation Martin Labra has been forced to withdraw from the Moomba Masters after suffering a knee injury in a nasty training crash at Miranda’s Ski School. The 18-year-old went out the back and was unable to pull it back on landing, leaving his immediate competitive future in doubt.

Labra, ever resilient, took to social media with a fighter’s mentality: “Doesn’t matter how many times you fall, what matters is how many times you get up. We’ll come back stronger than ever.”

His absence leaves a significant void in the trick event, where he’s been redefining the discipline with pinpoint precision and an unprecedented emphasis on toe tricks. The reigning U.S. Masters and Botaski ProAm trick champion is one of the rare skiers to surpass 12,500 points, and his technical innovation—marked by tricks such as the ‘reverse’ toe-wake-five-back—has set him apart as the highest scoring toe tricker of his generation.

But Labra isn’t just a one-discipline wonder. While tricks remain his calling card at the professional level, his meteoric rise in jump and overall—where he now ranks sixth in the world—has signaled a broader dominance to come. His progress in jumping, particularly at the higher speeds and ramp heights of the pro circuit, suggests he’s far from a finished product.

For now, though, the skiing world holds its breath. A star on the ascent has hit turbulence, but if Labra’s track record is anything to go by, this is just another trick he’ll find a way to land.

Winter returns to the water for the first time

Injury Update: Winter Returns to the Slalom Course After Broken Femur

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Injury update: Winter returns to the slalom course after broken femur

Winter returns to the water for the first time

Image: @thefredwinter

By Jack Burden

For the first time since his devastating leg injury, two-time world slalom champion Freddie Winter took to the water on January 10, marking 198 days since the crash during the Monaco Slalom Cup that broke his femur.

“198 days ago, my leg was snapped in two,” Winter wrote on Instagram. “It’s taken a while and, trust me, it’s taken a lot, but today I got back out there. It couldn’t have felt much more foreign, but who cares? I’m back.”

The injury, sustained during a high-stakes final against compatriot Will Asher, was a brutal blow to Winter’s 2024 season. Chasing a victory at 10.25m (41’ off), Winter’s quest ended in calamity when an uncontrolled lean led to a collision with a dock. The image of Winter being stretchered away became a sobering reminder of the perils of elite slalom skiing.

Doctors initially estimated a recovery timeline of up to a year—a grim prognosis for the fiercely competitive Brit. Yet, through rigorous rehabilitation and the guidance of a top-tier medical team, Winter defied expectations to be back on the water in just over six months.

“It’s been tough,” Winter admitted on the TWBC Podcast last fall. “When you break something as significant as your femur, it’s not just the bone—it’s the muscles, the ligaments, everything around it. But I wasn’t going to sit on the sidelines longer than I had to. I’ve been counting the days, and now I’m counting down to Moomba.”

While his first session back was far from a return to form, it was a critical milestone in a journey that has been equal parts physical and mental. Winter’s return is a beacon of perseverance in a sport that constantly flirts with the edge of control.

As he sets his sights on the Moomba Masters in March, Winter’s comeback isn’t just about chasing titles; it’s about reclaiming his place in the sport he loves. For now, the slalom maestro is back where he belongs—on the water, defying the odds.

Tristan Duplan-Fribourg injury

Injury Update: Setbacks Continue for Talented Duplan-Fribourg Siblings

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Injury Update: Setbacks continue for talented Duplan-Fribourg siblings

Tristan Duplan-Fribourg injury

Tristan Duplan-Fribourg suffered season ending injuries at the 2024 US Masters (image: @tristan.waterski)

By Jack Burden

The Duplan-Fribourg brothers are arguably the most talented family in world water skiing right now. The eldest, Louis, is the world overall champion. The middle brother, Pol, a former under-17 and under-21 world jump champion, secured his first pro victory earlier this year. The youngest, Tristan, is the number one ranked under-17 jumper in the world and second only to Jake Abelson in overall. However, a series of injury setbacks will deprive us of seeing the trio contend for water ski supremacy throughout the 2024 season.

While Louis, freshly rehabbed from shoulder surgery, is returning to strong form in time for the 2024 WWS Overall Tour, his younger siblings will unfortunately spend most of this year on the sidelines.

Tristan, one of the favorites to dominate at the upcoming Under-17 World Championships, will not compete at the event after two horrific crashes at the Junior Masters left him with serious injuries. The Frenchman sustained a fractured eye, a bone tear in his hip, and serious head trauma following the event, in which there was some controversy over whether IWWF concussion protocols were adequately followed. The 17-year-old’s injuries were so severe he was temporarily placed in an artificial coma.

“Life is short and precious. This is the lesson I learned during the most horrible experience of my life,” shared Tristan, who now faces a long road to recovery.

Pol started the season in style, defeating veteran Ryan Dodd in the night jump final at the Moomba Masters, becoming the youngest to win a professional jump event since 2017. The 21-year-old, who has a history of back pain, tried to push through in his efforts to qualify for the U.S. Masters before a jump crash aggravated his injuries further and put a pause on his season.

“This incident reminds me how demanding and unforgiving the sport we love is, but also how important it is to listen to your body,” shared Pol.

Medical exams revealed a herniated disc in his back and a fractured ankle, the former of which Pol has since undergone surgery to repair. He too now faces a long rehab journey to return to the water.

Both siblings remain optimistic in spite of their setbacks, expressing their desire to heal and come back stronger. If their resilience and determination are anything to go by, we will be hearing the Duplan-Fribourg name for many years to come.

Freddie Winter Monaco Slalom

Injury Update: Winter Out for the Season with Broken Leg

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Injury update: Winter out for the season with broken leg

Freddie Winter Monaco Slalom

Image: @waterski_nation

By Jack Burden

World champion Freddie Winter has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2024 season after sustaining a serious leg injury in the final of the Monaco Slalom Cup. The British skier was chasing a high score set by his compatriot Will Asher when the accident occurred.

Following the incident, Winter shared on Instagram that he had “a significant broken leg bone, but [was] in good hands.”

Winter needed a complete pass at 10.25m (41’ off) to challenge Asher’s lead. He managed to clinch a runner-up placement with a score of 4 at the pass before an uncontrolled lean into 5 led to a collision with a nearby dock. An ambulance was called to transport Winter to a nearby hospital.

This incident underscores the challenges and dangers of shortline slalom. Just last weekend, Jonathan Travers almost suffered a similar fate when the rope caught on his ski during a fall, wrenching it from him. Travers was fortunate to escape with only bruising and rope burn.

Every athlete is pushing to the limit every weekend in one of the most competitive men’s slalom fields in the past decade. Unfortunately for Winter, his season is now over.

Doing his best to remain in good spirits, Winter shared, “Getting ready for Moomba 2025.”

American water ski jumper Brittany Greenwood-Wharton

Injury Update: Greenwood-Wharton Makes Tournament Comeback

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Injury update: Brittany Greenwood-Wharton makes tournament comeback after major knee surgery

American water ski jumper Brittany Greenwood-Wharton

“On the water, in my happy place” (image: @focus.501)

By Jack Burden

American water ski jumper Brittany Greenwood-Wharton marked her triumphant return to tournament action this past weekend at the Masters Qualifying Series, showcasing an impressive performance by jumping 49.7 meters (163 feet), to clinch a place in the 2024 Masters. After nearly two years away from competitive skiing, Brittany demonstrated her resilience and determination to overcome adversity.

“The last 1.5 years have been wild mentally and physically. Performing like myself again feels amazing,” shared Brittany, who celebrated a significant milestone in her recovery journey earlier this spring after completing a half marathon.

The Arkansas native’s journey back to the water has been long and hard. A jump crash at the 2022 California Pro Am left her with severe injuries, including a torn ACL, torn meniscuses, torn posterolateral corner, damaged cartilage, and a fractured femur. Despite these daunting challenges, Brittany remained undeterred in her pursuit of returning to the sport she loves.

“My last set before California Pro Am. We knew something was wrong with my knee. I was only able to jump every few days and maybe tolerate 1-2 jumps per set. But this is what I love so I fought through,” she recalled.

Complications during major knee surgery and ACL reconstruction further hindered her recovery, with the development of blood clots prolonging her rehabilitation process. “We are almost there, the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s been a freaking year. 1 new ACL, 2 fixed meniscus, 2 blood clots, 1 cartilage defect. 365 days of thinking about how to keep getting stronger and grinding. 365 days of a lot of support from friends and family. Feeling so thankful and overwhelmed,” she shared last year.

Prior to her injury, Brittany had established herself as one of the most consistent performers in women’s jump, with multiple podium finishes and membership in the exclusive 180′ club (55 meters). Her return to competition signals a welcome resurgence for the talented athlete, who is eager to continue pushing the boundaries of her sport.

The women’s jump field has been marred by injuries in recent years, with Brittany, along with Lauren Morgan, Taryn Grant, and Valentina Gonzalez, missing substantial portions of the 2023 season. Additionally, world record holder Jacinta Carroll took time off for the birth of her first child before retiring from professional competition earlier this year. The challenges posed by injuries underscore the sport’s physical demands and the tenacity required of its athletes.

Jack Critchley broke his collarbone at the Ski Fluid Classic

Injury Update: Jack Critchley Sidelined with Broken Collarbone

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Injury update: Jack Critchley sidelined with broken collarbone

Jack Critchley broke his collarbone at the Ski Fluid Classic

Image: @robhazelwood99

By Jack Burden

Jack Critchley, one of the emerging talents in men’s jumping, encountered a significant setback this past weekend when he sustained a serious collarbone injury during the Ski Fluid Classic. The injury, which occurred after recording impressive jumps of 223 feet (68 and 67.9 meters) in the tournament, resulted in three breaks to his clavicle.

Following the incident, the British athlete underwent surgery, requiring 11 screws to repair the damage. “Massive shoutout to Andrews Sports Medicine and Lyle Cain for doing an amazing job putting me back together!!” shared Critchley after his surgery.

Despite the setback, the 27-year-old, who holds the most professional jump victories of any man behind Ryan Dodd and Freddy Krueger over the past decade, remains optimistic about his recovery. He hopes for only “a few weeks break from jumping.”

The professional jump season in 2024 is relatively spread out, with upcoming events like the US Masters and Louisiana Night Jam followed by a break during the slalom-dominated European leg. The season will conclude with the California ProAm, MasterCraft Pro, and King of Darkness later in the year.

It is hoped that Critchley will recover in time for the final three events of the year. He is among the young jumpers aiming to challenge the established champions Dodd and Krueger throughout 2024.

Louis Duplan-Fribourg Returns to Water, Sets Sights on US Masters Comeback

Injury Update: Louis Duplan-Fribourg Returns to Water, Sets Sights on US Masters Comeback

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Injury update: Louis Duplan-Fribourg returns to water, sets sights on US Masters comeback

Louis Duplan-Fribourg Returns to Water, Sets Sights on US Masters Comeback

Duplan-Fribourg spent the winter undergoing intensive rehabilitation, aiming to return to the water in 2024 (image: @louisduplanfribourg)

By Jack Burden

Louis Duplan-Fribourg, the reigning world overall champion, made his return to the water this weekend for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery in November last year. With his sights set on the US Masters in late May, the 23-year-old Frenchman is diligently working towards regaining full strength.

During his first set back on his trick ski, Duplan-Fribourg took a cautious approach due to his still recovering shoulder. However, he expressed his excitement at being back on the water, stating, “It’s fun to be on the water,” and adding, “the feeling is unreal!”

Duplan-Fribourg underwent shoulder surgery on November 15th to address persistent issues that had plagued him over the past couple of seasons. Opting for surgery during the post-World Championships period, he seized the opportunity to resolve the issue once and for all.

The French national record holder in tricks and jump recently completed a one-month stint of intensive rehabilitation at the European Sports Rehabilitation Center (CERS) in Capbreton, France to facilitate his return to the water. Reflecting on his rehabilitation journey, he expressed gratitude, stating, “It has been a difficult and intense month of work.” He also expressed appreciation for the support received from the team at CERS, saying, “I gave my best every day, and every time you gave it back.”

Duplan-Fribourg is determined to build on his successful 2023 season. For 2024, he has set ambitious goals, aiming “to win the US Masters in tricks and the WWS Overall Tour.” Now the third highest scoring trick skier of all time, the Frenchman’s anticipated rivalries with athletes like Patricio Font in tricks and Joel Poland in overall are expected to be among the most captivating storylines of the upcoming season.

His immediate focus will be on regaining his form in the trick event ahead of the Masters Qualifying Series in mid-May, with the aim of securing his spot at Robin Lake. In 2023, Duplan-Fribourg finished third in the Master’s trick event behind Font and Poland, two athletes who have tricked over 12,000 points more times than any other active skiers.

As the eldest of three remarkably talented siblings, Louis’ younger brother Pol recently clinched his first professional jump title during the night jump at the Moomba Masters earlier this month, edging out Ryan Dodd. Meanwhile, his youngest brother, Tristan, is poised to compete in both the Junior Masters and Under-17 World Championships later this year, where he is considered a favorite in jump and a strong contender in overall.

As Louis embarks on his road to recovery, we can expect to see much more of him, as well as the entire Duplan-Fribourg family, on top of podiums in the coming year.

Jaimee Bull undergoes surgery

This Offseason Could Present Jamiee Bull’s Biggest Challenge Yet | BayToday

Repost

This offseason could present Jamiee Bull’s biggest challenge yet

Jaimee Bull undergoes surgery

Bull may require surgery for a torn ligament sustained last Sping.

By Matt Sookram

BayToday

Two-time World Water Skiing Champion Jamiee Bull is coming off a second consecutive World Title win in Women’s Slalom at the 2023 International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) World Waterski Championships this past October, further cementing her position as a dominant force in the water skiing world.  

In a recent interview with Lisa Boivin on North Bay Echo podcast To North Bay with Love, Bull divulged that her biggest challenge may be coming up.  

“In the spring I tore the ligament that holds your tibia and fibula together, the two bones in your leg and most of my knee. I don’t know exactly when it happened. I know that I crashed, but I wasn’t like, ‘Oh my knee hurts’. But after that, it was sore and that’s when I started noticing my fibula was just moving freely. It took a while to figure out what was going on. After communicating with doctors and physiotherapists they said if I could deal with the pain and I could ski on it, I could keep going without doing more damage to it and they would just have to reattach it after the season,” says Bull. 

“I skied on it all year and just had it braced up. After the season was done, I needed to figure out what I was going to do with this and we settled on a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection where they pulled blood out of my arm and then spun it and took the good parts of the blood and injected it into where the ligament is stored in the hopes that it’s going to help get the ligament to create a little bond and scar tissue to hold it together. This is the first step and I’m hoping that some downtime and some extra blood in there will help stabilize it enough that I don’t need surgery, but if I do, I found a surgeon now and I’m feeling a lot more comfortable with the surgery,” says Bull.  

Read the full article at BayToday.ca

American water ski jumper Lauren Morgan underwent a second knee surgery

Injury Update: Lauren Morgan Undergoes Follow-Up Knee Surgery

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Injury update: Lauren Morgan undergoes follow-up knee surgery, spring season uncertain

American water ski jumper Lauren Morgan underwent a second knee surgery

“Knee surgery #2 let’s do it” (image: @lauren.a.morgan)

By Jack Burden

Renowned American jump skier Lauren Morgan underwent critical knee surgery yesterday in Birmingham, Alabama, aiming to overcome persistent issues stemming from an injury sustained in September 2022. The 30-year-old athlete, America’s number one ranked female jumper for much of the past decade, has been grappling with the aftermath of an ACL injury, forcing her to miss a substantial part of the 2023 season. Unfortunately, it appears Morgan will remain on the sidelines throughout at least the start of 2024 as well.

The former World Games and U.S. Masters champion finished third at the World Championships in October last year, a mere 12 months after undergoing ACL surgery. Morgan missed almost the entire 2023 season, competing only in the World Championships and a warm-up tournament at Jack Travers’ two weekends prior. Despite participating in only two tournaments the entire year, only five women posted higher jump scores than Morgan in 2023.

Expressing her joy at the podium finish last year, Morgan stated, “I really can’t believe it; my goal was to be back. I didn’t want to just be back; I wanted to be on the podium. I couldn’t be happier, and I’m excited for next year.” Unfortunately, the persistence of her injury has dashed those hopes for at least a few more months.

In the face of adversity, Morgan shared an inspiring quote before the recent surgery, encapsulating her mindset: “When it comes to doing something hard but necessary: Don’t focus on how you’ll feel in the moment, focus on how you’ll feel when it’s done.”

While Morgan faces a challenging road to recovery, she continues to stay engaged off the water. Balancing an intensive rehabilitation regimen, she is concurrently pursuing her studies as a PhD candidate at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

The women’s jump skiing landscape has been marred by injuries in recent years, with Morgan, along with Brittany Greenwood, Taryn Grant, and Valentina Gonzalez, missing substantial portions of the 2023 season. Additionally, world record holder Jacinta Carroll took time off for the birth of her first child. The challenges posed by injuries underscore the sport’s physical demands and the tenacity required of its athletes.

Valentina Gonzalez makes her return to the water after sustaining an ankle injury late last year

Injury Update: Valentina Gonzalez Returns to Water, On Track for 2024 Comeback

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Injury update: Valentina Gonzalez returns to water, on track for 2024 comeback

Valentina Gonzalez makes her return to the water after sustaining an ankle injury late last year

“First day officially back on the water” (image: @valegonzalez)

By Jack Burden

Valentina Gonzalez celebrated a significant milestone yesterday as she returned to the water for the first time since her season-ending injury in September of the previous year. In a recent Instagram post, the Chilean athlete expressed her gratitude for the valuable lessons learned during the challenging four months of recovery and her unwavering determination to return stronger than ever.

Gonzalez, who finished 5th in women’s jump on the Waterski Pro Tour and is currently ranked within the top 10 for both jump and overall, sustained a severe ankle injury during jump practice in the lead up to the record setting Malibu Open. Since undergoing surgery back home in Chile in late September, she has undergone a rigorous routine of over 65 sessions of physical therapy, hyperbaric chamber sessions, gym workouts, and biomechanics sessions.

Reflecting on the emotional toll of missing the two most anticipated tournaments of her career, the 2023 World Championships and Pan American Games, Gonzalez emphasized her commitment to turning the page and concentrating on physical and mental preparation for the upcoming year.

Expressing her eagerness to return to the sport she loves, Gonzalez shared her heightened enthusiasm, stating that she was “more hungry than ever to get back to doing what I like most. There is very little left!!!”

In a symbolic moment, Gonzalez posted a video capturing her first set back on her trick ski since the accident last September. The video showcased her skills, executing multiple flips on her home lake, Lago Valle Maipo. Gonzalez conveyed her excitement at being back on the water after nearly four months, underscoring how much she missed the invigorating feeling of being on the lake.

This triumphant return marks the end of a challenging chapter for Gonzalez, which she has referred to as the “four most difficult months of my career.” With her sights set on upcoming competitions, Valentina Gonzalez is poised to reclaim her position as one of the most promising young talents in women’s jump.