IT’S A NO-GO FOR GUAY.
CALGARY — Canadian skier Erik Guay will not compete at the upcoming Winter Games due to a back injury that will likely keep him out for the rest of the season.
He was named to the Canadian alpine team for the Games earlier this week, but announced Wednesday that severe back pain will prevent him from competing in Pyeongchang.
“It was an incredibly difficult decision to stay home from the Olympics,” Guay said in an Alpine Canada news release.
“Despite everything we did, I do not feel I can attend the Games and be at a competitive performance level that I would proud representing Canada with. I am so thankful for the support behind me.
“My family, fans and sponsors have been incredible to me and I cannot thank all of them enough for their never-ending backing. I will be cheering on all of Team Canada from home, especially my teammates at Alpine Canada.”
Guay, 36, hasn’t participated in a competitive race since injuring his back Dec. 16 at Val Gardena, Italy.
The three-time Olympian from Montreal revealed in early January that he had a ruptured disc in his back and would skip a couple of World Cups to return home to recover.
The decision means Guay has skied his last Olympic race. He confirmed on a conference call that he has no plans to make a run to return at the 2022 Games in Beijing.
“I can definitely say I will not be there,” Guay said. “This was my final shot at the Olympic Games. As far as whether I’ll continue next year or not, that’s still a question mark. I think the remainder of the season is probably going to be finished for me.”
Guay is Canada’s most accomplished alpine ski racer. He has reached the World Cup podium on 25 occasions and has three world championship medals.
He said that back issues of varying degrees have plagued him throughout the season. Guay added he knew that things weren’t progressing the way he hoped, but he wanted to wait until the last minute before making the final call on the Olympics.
“When I’m free-skiing it’s not too bad, but the moment that I get into a downhill position — in my tuck — I have pretty severe pain in my back,” Guay said. “It catches me within four or five turns.”
Canada will send 13 alpine skiers to the Feb. 9-25 Games. There will be Canadian entries in all disciplines, including downhill, super-G, alpine combined, giant slalom, slalom and the team event.
“It’s definitely disappointing to have Erik miss out on the Olympics and we know this was a difficult decision for him to make,” said Alpine Canada athletic director Martin Rufener. “He would certainly have been a medal contender if he was healthy. Despite Erik missing out, I’m very proud of the contingent of athletes we are sending to the Games and I know we will make Canada proud.”
Guay said he hopes to get stronger over the coming months and get his back in a “good place” before making a decision on plans for next season.
“It would be a shame to go out this way though,” he said. “I have it in my mind that I’d like to continue next year.”