Vernon Skier Elena Gaskell Seeks Olympic Redemption in Milano-Cortina

Canadian freestyle skier Elena Gaskell is set to compete at the Milano-Cortina Games, marking her return to the Olympic stage after a devastating injury prevented her from participating in the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022. The Games commence on February 6, 2026, and Gaskell will compete in both the slopestyle and big air categories, with slopestyle qualifications beginning on the first day.

Overcoming Past Challenges

Gaskell, now 24, was a strong contender for a medal four years ago but tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus just one day before her scheduled event. This injury not only sidelined her from the Olympics but also left her grappling with the emotional fallout of unfulfilled dreams. “It was like all my dreams and everything that I wanted to happen … it felt like I was living in a movie,” she reflected on that moment, underlining the surreal nature of her experience as she navigated the Olympic Village on crutches.

Reflecting on her journey, Gaskell stated, “I try and cut out the words of like, ‘Don’t get hurt,’ or, like, ‘try not to get hurt again.’ It’s just like, I’m gonna keep staying healthy.” She emphasized the importance of overcoming fear to progress in her sport, stating that athletes must sometimes “jump over fear” to succeed.

A New Chapter in Competition

Utilizing her past experiences as motivation, Gaskell has focused on mental health and resilience since her injury. She has channeled her struggles into raising awareness about athletes’ mental well-being. Just last month, she clinched a bronze medal at a World Cup competition in Aspen, Colorado, showcasing her impressive comeback after another ACL tear in her other knee. Gaskell only resumed competing last October, and her recent success is a testament to her dedication and hard work.

“I think I learned a lot from my first injury and just thought a lot about my mindset going through my second recovery,” she said. This newfound perspective has prepared her for the upcoming Games, where she aims to achieve the redemption she missed out on in 2022.

Gaskell’s family, who were unable to attend the Beijing Olympics, are present to support her this time. Her father, Ken, expressed pride in her journey, stating, “It makes all the work she’s done and everything she’s done to recover and get strong and get back to competition that much sweeter.” Their presence adds to the emotional weight of her return to international competition.

As Gaskell prepares to face the challenges ahead, her journey reflects not just the resilience of an athlete but also the importance of mental fortitude in overcoming adversity. With the slopestyle qualifications set to kick off, all eyes will be on this remarkable skier as she seeks to fulfill her Olympic dreams.