Olympic snowboard champion Anna Gasser has undergone successful surgery after suffering a shoulder dislocation while surfing recreationally in Munich, Germany.
The 33-year-old two-time Big Air gold medallist reportedly suffered a labral tear and a biceps tendon as part of the injury and received treatment last week.
“The examinations showed that the shoulder was briefly dislocated. The labrum and biceps tendon were affected. The surgery restored the necessary stability in the shoulder,” Gasser said in a statement.
“Even though it isn’t easy for me, I will have to be patient for now. After that, I will concentrate on training and compete in selected World Cup competitions so that I can travel to the Olympic Games in Italy optimally prepared.”
As a result of the injury, the Austrian will now switch up her training program ahead of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, where she is due to defend her title.
The snow training initially planned for the summer in Australia will no longer go ahead, with Gasser’s focus instead shifting to Europe in preparation for the Games.
Earlier this year, Gasser told Olympics.com in an exclusive interview that she has plans to retire after the Olympics.
The women’s Big Air final is scheduled to take place on the evening of Monday, 9 February.