Listen to this article
Approximately 2 minutes
The audio version of this article was created using artificial intelligence technology. Pronunciation errors may occur. We work with our partners to continually analyze and improve results.
Olympic aeronautics medalist Tess Ledo has withdrawn from next month's Cortina Winter Games in Milan, saying she had not recovered sufficiently from a concussion.
The French freestyle skier, who was second to Aileen Gu at the Beijing Olympics four years ago, has not competed since her World Cup accident last March.
Lede, a former world champion, said she would miss the entire season to focus on her recovery.
“With the help of the medical staff, I have made the decision to end my season,” Ledo said in a social media post Thursday. “Probably the most difficult decision of my life. Because yes, it was hope that allowed me to hold on, to continue to move forward and get up every morning… This choice is difficult, almost impossible to accept. It seems unfair.”
Lede, 24, initially thought she would recover after a few weeks of rest, but explained in October that symptoms such as fatigue, headaches and dizziness persisted. After consulting with several specialists, she said she concluded that “the line between physical and mental trauma is very thin.”
Lede said she had tried every possible option to be able to compete in her third Olympics, but insisted her health had to come first.
“One thing is for sure: I will get through this,” Ledo added, hoping for the 2030 Olympics in France.
