In a disappointing turn of events, **AJ Hurt**, a promising young American skier, is set to miss the kickoff of the alpine skiing World Cup season. The talented 23-year-old has been struggling with back and shoulder pain, lingering issues from the previous season, preventing her from competing in the opening giant slalom in Sölden, Austria. Currently, she focuses on recovery and has been unable to engage in significant snow training.
Hurt, a mechanical engineering student from Dartmouth University, made waves last season by consistently placing in the top 11 in six races. She notably secured two third-place finishes, marking her first-ever World Cup podiums. This impressive feat made her the first American woman since Sarah Schleper in the early 2000s to achieve podium finishes in both slalom and giant slalom within the same season.
Her ascent to prominence came despite previous setbacks, including missing most of the earlier season due to ankle surgery. In 2022, she made her Olympic debut, ending in 34th place in slalom and failing to complete her giant slalom run. Her earlier career highlight includes a bronze medal in slalom at the 2021 Junior World Championships.
While Hurt recovers, fans are directed to keep an eye on familiar competitors like **Mikaela Shiffrin**. Enthusiasts can catch all the live skiing action through NBC Sports and Peacock, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of the excitement this season promises.
Source: Opkomende skiër AJ Hurt kampt met blessures en mist het begin van het seizoen
