Dealing with Injury as an Athlete

All athletes have to deal with injuries. Whether it is a nagging knee, or a back that won’t ever feel good, everyone is dealing with something. In my career thus far my problem has been my shoulder. Before 2019 I had never had to take time off, everything usually felt good and I was a pretty healthy athlete for the most part. That being said, it all changed when I dislocated my shoulder for the first time while mountain biking. It dislocated a few more times and then in June of 2020 decided to get surgery. The surgery did its job until November 2023 when it dislocated again. I survived throughout the 2023/24 season with the help of a lot of tape.

Knowing I needed the more intensive Latarjet procedure at some point I hoped I could delay it until the spring of 2026, after the Milan Olympics. This would be ideal as the year post-Olympics is always a little less intense and I could take my time with the rehab since it is usually a 6-month recovery. However, this little plan in my head did not mean much. My shoulder dislocated again in May of this year and I was under the knife by June 21st.

When I first dislocated my shoulder in 2019 I had no idea it would become the most annoying recurring injury I could ever imagine. I have had to recover from 2 major surgeries and 5 or 6 total dislocations. I am not writing about it for pity or as an excuse as to why I am not standing on top of podiums but I believe these injuries have made me a better athlete. Every injury reminded me why I loved ski jumping so much and reinforced the idea that I am choosing to be here and if I hung up the skis tomorrow I would do so with pride. I also believe a lot of athletes that have overcome injuries have the exact same experience. Realizing that the adversity is not really adversity at all but a way to fuel future success.