Slovak skier Veronika Zuzulová faced a significant knee injury just months before the Pyeongchang Olympics but managed to recover in time, carrying the Slovak flag during the opening ceremony.
In 2017, Slovak skier Veronika Zuzulová was preparing for what she expected to be her final season, aiming to win a small crystal globe in slalom at the World Cup and compete in the Pyeongchang Olympics. However, in September of that year, she suffered a severe injury during a training camp in Argentina, tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee. Such injuries typically require a recovery period of six months or more, casting doubt on her ability to compete in the upcoming Olympic slalom just five months later.
Initially devastated by the injury, Zuzulová expressed her fears about her career potentially ending prematurely due to the severity of the situation. Despite the grim prognosis, she pursued cutting-edge surgical options and committed to an intense rehabilitation process. Remarkably, she not only managed to compete but also served as the flag bearer for Slovakia at the Olympic opening ceremony, an inspiring story of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
The article also highlights concerns for another Slovak skier, Petra Vlhová, who recently suffered a knee injury during a competition in Jasná in January 2024. This incident raises questions about her ability to compete in future events, echoing the challenges faced by Zuzulová and creating uncertainty in the Slovak skiing community.
