January 28, 2014 - 5:49 PM
ASPEN, Colo. - Defending Olympic snowboard cross champion Maelle Ricker needs surgery after suffering a wrist injury Tuesday.
The West Vancouver, B.C., native was injured during pre-Olympic training, putting her appearance at next month's Winter Games in Sochi, Russia in doubt.
Steven Hills, Canada Snowboard's executive director, couldn't say whether or not the injury was a break or fracture and expected to release further details Wednesday.
He added he expects Ricker, the defending world champion, would still be able to compete at the Olympics.
"While the timing of this injury is very unfortunate, we know that Maelle is an incredibly resilient athlete that has battled back from several injuries over her career to accomplish great things for Canada," said Hills in a release.
"We hope that Maelle's surgery is successful and believe that she will have every opportunity to join Team Canada in Sochi with the goal of competing in the snowboard cross event on February 16."
Carle Brenneman of Whistler, B.C., would replace Ricker if she cannot compete at the Olympics.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2014