Gagnon Suffers Season-Ending Injury During Lake Louise Training Run

 During Thursday’s downhill training run at the Audi FIS Lake Louise World Cup, Marie-Michèle Gagnon (Lac Etchemin, Que.), was putting down a run that would have been on-pace for a solid top-five finish, before catching an edge and launching into the b-net. Gagnon’s fall resulted in a left dislocated shoulder, torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) to her right knee and some sutures to her left forearm.

“After completing Mitch’s [Marie-Michèle] assessment today, including MRIs at EFW radiology in Calgary, Alta., I can confirm a left shoulder dislocation and right knee ACL tear,” said Dr. Katie MacGregor MD, CCFP (SEM), Dip Sport Med (CASEM). “After extensive discussions with Mitch, our team of surgeons and the coaching and support staff, we have decided to proceed with surgical reconstruction for both injuries. This will get Mitch back on snow, healthy and ready for competition in the strongest and best way possible for next season.”

Gagnon has suffered multiple shoulder injuries to the same shoulder but this is Gagnon’s first ligament knee injury. She will undergo surgery in the coming weeks to address both shoulder and knee injuries.  

“This is really disappointing because I initially didn’t think this injury was as severe as it is,” said Gagnon. “I did know something wasn’t right so I’m glad that we had the MRI to confirm the ACL tear. I was feeling really good this summer and feeling great in speed. Although I didn’t finish the training run, I’m glad I was on the right path and I know I have what it takes to compete in speed. It’s more natural for me. I will get surgery, rehab and come back even stronger with more fire. I’m really proud of all the Canadian girls. I know it will be their year and they’ll all punch into the top 30. I’ll be following closely and cheering them on from home.” 

Gagnon has started in three World Cup races this season and achieved a 10th-place finish in the Levi, FIN slalom and a 24th-place in the Killington, USA giant slalom race. Gagnon is one of Canada’s most talented all around skiers.

Gagnon will be out for the remainder of the season focusing on recovery for the 2018-19 season. Alpine Canada wishes her a speedy recovery and a quick return to the World Cup circuit.