9 Jan 2018

Jossi Wells withdraws from Winter Olympics team

1:17 pm on 9 January 2018

The Wanaka freestyle skier Jossi Wells has withdrawn from the New Zealand team for next month's Winter Olympics in South Korea.

The New Zealand freestyle skier Jossi Wells.

The New Zealand freestyle skier Jossi Wells. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Wells tore his patella tendon in June last year and while it had appeared that his rehabilitation was going well, he now feels his knee isn't up to it.

Upon his return to snow in late December it became apparent that his knee was not ready for the loading required to compete and meet his high standards at Olympic level.

Wells made the decision to withdraw in conjunction with the Snow Sports NZ medical team.

In a statement Wells said.

"I'm devastated to have had to come to this decision. I gave this rehabilitation everything I had and unfortunately it has just come down to timing.

"I would like to thank Snow Sports NZ and the NZOC for their amazing support during this rehabilitation, it truly means the world to me to have such a great team in my corner. I would also like to thank the New Zealand public for their support over the years and I look forward to representing you all in the future.

"I wish the best to the rest of the team and I look forward to supporting each of the incredible athletes representing our great nation."

Wells, a freeski slopestyle athlete, narrowly missed out on the podium at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, placing fourth in halfpipe. The 27 year old is a six time X-Games medallist, including a gold medal win in 2016.

-RNZ