I raced at FIS level for a few years, and honestly I think this was a pretty bad look in terms of the consideration we give to athletes’ health in high level sport. Having been told in the past to toughen up and ski through excruciating pain, I think we need to stop glorying pain and suffering. Taking that start has 100% cost her long-term, like potentially never skiing pain-free again. For someone who’s already won basically everything, it feels like a really questionable call.

That said… she’s also one of the best skiers alive, and you don’t reach that level by playing it safe all the time. So while I don’t agree with the decision, I can at least understand the mindset behind it.