Olympic champion Katie Archibald, 30, will miss the Paris 2024 Olympics after a serious garden accident left her with multiple leg injuries requiring surgery, British Cycling confirmed Tuesday.

The devastating accident has dashed Archibald's hopes of competing in her third Olympic Games, following her triumphs in Rio and Tokyo. Despite undergoing surgery to repair severe injuries, including broken bones and torn ligaments, the diagnosis means the cycling star will not recover in time for Paris 2024. British Cycling announced the news with heavy hearts, expressing their support for one of their most decorated athletes, whose career includes numerous world and European titles.

Archibald sustained the injuries during a garden accident that led to a broken tibia and fibula, a dislocated ankle, and torn ligaments. Following the mishap, the 30-year-old cyclist underwent surgery to have her bones pinned back together and her ligaments reattached. Despite the successful medical intervention, the extent of her injuries makes it impossible for her to participate in the upcoming Olympics.

The news came directly from Archibald, who shared her situation and the subsequent impact on her Olympic ambitions via Instagram. Expressing her disappointment, she acknowledged the challenging recovery journey ahead and thanked her supporters for their ongoing encouragement.

British Cycling, the governing body for cycling in the United Kingdom, confirmed Archibald's inability to compete in the Paris Olympics. They noted that the decision followed comprehensive medical advice, and they expressed their heartbreak over their esteemed athlete's enforced absence from the global event. British Cycling reassured that they stand by Archibald during this challenging period, emphasizing their support and solidarity.

Katie Archibald has enjoyed a glittering career with notable successes on both the Olympic and world stages. She captured gold in the team pursuit at the Rio 2016 Olympics and followed it with another gold in the madison at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Additionally, she has an impressive record of five world championship gold medals and 20 golds from European championships, establishing her as one of the sport's elite competitors.

The 2024 Paris Olympics were set to be Archibald's third appearance at the Games, a testament to her enduring excellence and perseverance in a demanding sport. Her absence will undoubtedly be felt by team members and fans alike, who have long admired her contributions to British cycling.

This latest setback is not Archibald's first encounter with misfortune. In 2022, she was forced to miss the Commonwealth Games after a collision with a vehicle resulted in injuries. Furthermore, that year also brought personal tragedy when her partner, mountain biker Rab Wardell, died suddenly at age 37.

As she embarks on her recovery, Archibald remains a beacon of resilience within the cycling community. Her record speaks volumes about her dedication, and many anticipate her eventual return to top-level competition, driven by her unyielding spirit and determination to overcome adversity.