Spring Injury Update — Jacqueline Wiles | U.S. Women's Alpine Ski Team

The recovery from my crash in February 2018 has been an extremely long road, but I am so happy to say that I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Six weeks ago I decided to get the hardware removed from my leg. The plate and five screws in my fibula was causing enough pain during the early stages of plyometrics to be a concern. I also started to test out my ski boots and go on the ski simulator in our gym. Feeling pain during those exercises without much force meant it was time to take the hardware out. I am glad I got this out earlier instead of being cleared to ski just to find out the metal hurt in my boot.

My Dad and I before my surgery. He has been right by my side throughout this whole journey.

The silver lining out of all of this was that the removal of the hardware dramatically improved the function of my knee. Dr. Haytmanek at the Steadman Clinic took the hardware out, removed some scar tissue, and shaved down some bone that had calcified above the hardware. While I was under, he also performed a PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection into my joint. After the last four and a half hour massive surgery I had, this one felt like a walk in the park and in a funny twisted way it was a vacation away from the gym.

I cannot describe how thrilled I am to say that my knee is starting to feel normal again. This February, after a year from that first procedure, I was really struggling. Small incremental progress was being made, return to snow dates were constantly being pushed back, and I was getting worried that my knee would never feel athletic again.

I never imagined my knee would dramatically feel better, but my positive test results last week reflected remarkable improvements. I now feel confident I am on the right path and have a new excitement for returning to ski competition. Most importantly, once again I have been reminded how crucial it is to live in the moment, stay positive and trust the process.

Time to keep the momentum going and the ball rolling. At this point I should be able to finally (hopefully the last time saying this) return to snow in the next couple months! I am so grateful for everyone who has stuck by supporting me through this whole process. Today is the first day of spring and I’m excited to be springing forward with renewed enthusiasm!