Team GB cyclist Archibald to miss Olympics after freak accident

Great Britain cyclist Katie Archibald will miss this summer’s Olympics Games in Paris after breaking her leg in a freak accident.

Archibald confirmed on Instagram that she had dislocated her ankle and ripped two ligaments from bone, as well as breaking her tibia and fibula when tripping over a step in her backyard. The 30-year-old had surgery in Manchester on Wednesday to repair the damage.

“I’m still processing that bit of news, but thought I better confirm it publicly instead of leaving it to the grapevine (trip hazard and all that), Archibald added.”

Archibald won gold in the team pursuit at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, adding another gold in the Madison in Tokyo three years ago. She is a two-time world champion and seven-time European champion in team pursuit, including both events last year.

“We share in Katie’s heartbreak over her injury, and the cruel manner in which she has been denied the chance to ride for the medals she so coveted in Paris,” British Cycling added.

“Our focus is now on providing Katie with the best possible support as she begins her recovery, and we know that the whole cycling community will be right behind her for every step.”

(Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)