It's official: injured Canadian skiers Kelly VanderBeek, Larisa Yurkiw, John Kucera and Francois Bourque will miss the Olympics. Here's a report from ACA on their rehab status...

ACA Medical Director Dr. Christopher Irving said that Jean-Philippe Roy’s (Ste-Flavie, QC / Gatineau, QC) rehabilitation continues after successful surgery on Thursday to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee.

Irving confirmed that Kelly VanderBeek (Kitchener, ON), Larisa Yurkiw (Owen Sound, ON) and François Bourque (L'Ange Gardien, QC) are all undergoing further assessment of their respective knee injuries sustained last week, with surgery in all cases anticipated in the near future.

John Kucera (Calgary, AB) is continuing to progress with rehab after the successful surgical repair of his fractured left leg in late November.

The injuries have ruled each athlete out of competition for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver / Whistler, BC.

Meanwhile, the ACA is reporting an outpouring of support by Canadians from across the country is providing a boost to Canada’s Alpine Ski Teams as five national team athletes continue rehabilitation following recent season-ending injuries.

Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA) President Gary Allan said he has heard from a lot of Canadians and read a lot of messages of support, as the national alpine ski teams approach the beginning of the 2010 calendar year fully committed to achieving goals set out at the beginning of the season.

“In the wake of a challenging week for Canada's Alpine Ski Teams, Alpine Canada Alpin on behalf of all our athletes wishes to thank all Canadians who have sent well wishes and encouragement,” said Allan.

"To know that Canadians appreciate and support the efforts of our athletes will further motivate our racers to achieve their goals. The teams have shown incredible resolve in recent weeks and, with four World Cup podium results before Christmas, we remain on track," Allan said.

“The world-class medical treatment received by our athletes from the moment of injury through to their rehabilitation is exceptional, and will ensure that our athletes return to competitive ski racing stronger than ever. The doctors are to be applauded for their efforts, particularly in recent weeks as they have had to deal with the increased injuries,” Allan said.

Canadians have achieved four World Cup podium results since the beginning of the 2009-2010 season, including two victories. Manuel Osborne-Paradis (Vancouver, BC) started the success by winning the men’s Bombardier Lake Louise Winterstart super-G in Lake Louise, AB in November and went on to win the DH last weekend in Val Gardena, ITA.

On the ladies side, Emily Brydon (Fernie, BC) has reached the World Cup podium twice this season, finishing second and third in downhill races on consecutive days during the ladies Bombardier Lake Louise Winterstart. Four other Canadians have finished in the top 5 in World Cup competition this season.

Photo courtesy of : kellyvanderbeek.com