Aussie heartbreak days out from Olympics

The Australian Olympic Committee confirmed on Sunday that Hoffman, 21, had injured her ACL competing at the Utah Invitational this week and would withdraw from the Winter Olympics, which begin on February 4.

Hoffman will not be replaced, leaving the Australian Olympic team with 43 members — 22 women and 21 men.

Hoffman admitted she was disappointed by the devastating timing of her injury.

“I guess this is how my cookie crumbles,” Hoffman wrote on Instagram.

“The universe just gave me a pretty big kick in the gut but alas, ski racing I will see you soon.”

Chef de mission Geoff Lipshut said his heart went out to Hoffman.

“This is a really unfortunate injury and the thoughts of the entire Olympic family go to Madi, her family and coaches,” Mr Lipshut said.

“Madi had been having a fantastic season and earned her Olympic selection. She is a great alpine talent and this isn’t the end of her Olympic story.

“I know this is a devastating moment for any young athlete, but Madi has the strength and support network to come back from this ahead of Milan Cortina 2026.

“I wish Madi all the best for a swift recovery and look forward to watching how she responds to this setback.”

Australia’s stocks could be set for further depletion, after a member of the Olympic team tested positive to Covid-19 on arrival in Beijing.

The team member, whose identity has been withheld by the AOC, is isolating as they await the results of a second PCR test.

“An update will be provided once further testing has been conducted and the situation becomes clearer, with the ongoing process determined by the outcome of the testing,” an AOC spokesperson said on Sunday.

Originally published as Winter Olympics: Aussie ‘kicked in the guts’ just days out from Beijing Games