Olympian Audrey McManiman, who has been missing a ribbon for at least two years, has an important decision to make after the Mont-Sainte-Anne Snowboard Cross World Cup.
McManiman underwent surgery at age 16 for torn anterior ligaments in both knees and has learned to live with the pain over the years, but an MRI in the summer of 2021 uncovered the cause of her ailments.
“I was in more pain than usual and the response showed my anterior ligament was torn,” she said. I don’t know when I hurt myself, but I do know that I haven’t had ligaments in a year and a half. I underwent an arthroscopy and was able to attend the Beijing Games. »
McManiman has her sights set on the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, but she has to decide when to go under the knife.
“I only have two choices,” she said. I’ll have surgery in the next few weeks and I’ll miss all of next season or I’ll wait after the games. After my return from Beijing, we looked into the possibility of post-season surgery, but I wanted to play in the World Cup this year. »
No drop in performance
Does the absence of the ACL in his left knee affect his performance on the slopes?
“My injury sometimes interferes with my recovery when I have to chain days together and it hits me a lot in training but it doesn’t really affect my performance,” she explained. I have developed a routine and made every effort to compensate for my injury. »
“If I was in a lot of pain and my performance wasn’t up to par, I would have asked the surgeon to operate on me immediately to sue the 28-year-old snowboarder. I’m still undecided on my decision and need to consult with some stakeholders before making a decision. »
concussion
The physiotherapy student, who suffered a concussion, had to take a break, but has been back since the World Championships in Georgia in February.
“I had to take a longer break than expected in the middle of the season, but I’m back with full force. I’m very happy with my results at the World Championships [5e] and in the last two presentations of the World Championship [8e et 4e]. We took my injury seriously, respected the protocols scrupulously and I felt confident going back onto the snow. »
McManiman is looking forward to performing in Quebec and would be proud to at least reach the small finals.
“Ever since the big air at the 2015 Jamboree, where I made it to the grand finals, I’ve dreamed of competing in Quebec again because it was so exciting. I like this year better again because we will have spring conditions instead of running in minus 35.”
A Quebec succession is taking shape
In the shadow of two-time Olympic champion Eliot Grondin, rookie Tristan Bell learns his skills in the World Cup.
The Gatineau rookie made his World Cup debut in France in December. He also achieved his first qualification in the elimination table (top 32) by finishing 17th in the Sierra Nevada in Spain on March 11.
“In my first season I just wanted to finish in the top 32 and it’s great to finish in the top 20,” he said. It drives me to want to do better. I’m having a good season. I’m making progress and my results are improving. I had the World Cup virus. I love the pace of life. »
Bell needs to adjust, he who reappeared in the NorAm series last year. He finished third overall, earning a spot on the World Cup team.
“Everything is bigger,” he summarized. The courses are bigger and there are more slides but I feel in my place. I’m of caliber. During the training camps I met the best and found myself in the peloton. »
Simone Malusa likes what he sees from Bell.
“Tristan is one of the athletes who has made the most progress since the beginning of the year,” said the Canadian assistant head coach. It’s not easy to get from the NorAm series to the World Cup. The technology is changing and the caliber is getting higher. Climbing into the top 32, Tristan fought well and totally deserved his rank. »
“He has made great strides technically, adds the Italian-born, and next year he will be able to make a big leap forward. »
model follows
The presence of Grondin is a plus for the resident of Gatineau.
“Éliot helps me a lot and I try to technically reproduce what he’s doing,” he said. I try to catch up with him in training. It helps me to train in a group. »
“By the end of the week I’m aiming for a top 32 and I’ll get it if I do better. I want to focus on my stuff, learn and progress quickly. I am very excited to be racing in Quebec. »
After the World Cup, Bell flies to Italy, where the Junior World Cup is taking place.
“It’s my last junior year and I want to finish with a great performance. Last year my boards were horrible, I had no speed and it was really not going well. I want to withdraw »