Double Olympic gold medallist Eileen Gu pulled out injured on Tuesday from the Asian Winter Games in China's Harbin, depriving the event of its biggest star and a major home hope.
California-born freestyle skier Gu sprang to global fame at the Beijing Winter Olympics three years ago, winning two gold medals and becoming the face of the Games.
The 21-year-old, who switched allegiances to China in 2019, had been set to spearhead the host nation at the Games starting on Friday in the northeastern city of Harbin.
But she wrote on social media that an injury suffered at the X Games Aspen last month after crashing, followed by another injury in training, had forced her out.
"It is with a heavy heart that I have to withdraw from the Harbin Asian Winter Games, which I had long been looking forward to," she wrote on Weibo.
"I wish all Chinese athletes the best of luck. I will work closely with my doctors on rehabilitation and strive to return to competition as soon as possible this season。
"Thanks to my friends who care and support me."
The Asian Winter Games are being held for the first time since 2017.
A total of 1,275 athletes across 34 countries and territories have registered for the event, organisers said last month.
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