Youngest member of Team USA ruled out of slopestyle with ankle injury

Maggie Voisin in World Cup action (GEPA/Greg M. Cooper)

ROSA KHUTOR, Russia — Team USA slopestyle skier Maggie Voisin of Whitefish, Mont., the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic team at 15 years old, suffered an injury to her right ankle after falling on a rail feature Friday (Feb. 7). The injury will keep her out of Tuesday’s Olympic slopestyle debut where she was considered a medal contender after having recently won silver at the X Games.

“I’m extremely disappointed to not be skiing in the first-ever women’s slopestyle competition here in Sochi this week,” said Voisin. “This whole season has been a dream and to get this close and then not be able to ski is heartbreaking. But, I will heal soon and be back competing in no time. I have lots of skiing in front of me. Now I will just try and have fun and enjoy the rest of the Olympic experience.”

Voisin was one of the top qualifiers in the battle for spots on the debut Olympic slopestyle team. Team officials said she will not be replaced in the competition due to time constraints.

“Maggie distinguised herself as one of the top slopestyle athletes in the world in qualifying for Team USA. We’re disappointed for her in being unable to start but have great respect for what she accomplished to get here,” noted USSA’s Executive Vice President of Athletics Luke Bodensteiner. “Unfortunately there is not sufficient time to seek a replacement and have that athlete properly prepare for Tuesday’s competition.”

Release courtesy of USSA