Rell Harwood: US Freeskier Competes Without ACL at Milano-Cortina 2026
London, 14 February 2026 – American freestyle skier Rell Harwood has made headlines at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics today, demonstrating remarkable resilience by competing in the Women’s Freeski Big Air qualification despite a significant knee injury. Harwood, a 24-year-old native of Park City, Utah, confirmed she is performing without an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) following a tear sustained last March.
Olympic Debut and Injury Challenges
Harwood’s journey to her first Olympic Games has been fraught with physical setbacks. In addition to multiple ACL tears that threatened her career, she suffered a broken back just eight weeks ago. Despite these injuries, Harwood elected to skip the Slopestyle event to focus on Big Air. During her first qualifying run today at the Livigno Snow Park, Harwood suffered a heavy fall on landing, though she remains a focal point of the competition for her determination to compete under extreme physical duress.
The athlete has been vocal about the realities of professional skiing, defending teammates like Lindsey Vonn by stating that competing without an ACL is “not uncommon” in high-stakes freestyle disciplines. Harwood’s presence in Milan follows a successful 2024 season where she secured silver in Knuckle Huck and bronze in Big Air at the X Games in Aspen.
Key Athlete Profile: Rell Harwood
The following table outlines the professional background and current status of the US Freeski Team standout as of the 2026 Winter Games.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rell Harwood |
| Date of Birth | 1 June 2001 |
| Hometown | Park City, Utah, USA |
| Education | Business Degree, University of Utah |
| Olympic Status | Active (Milano-Cortina 2026) |
| Primary Disciplines | Big Air, Slopestyle, Knuckle Huck |
| Major Honours | X Games Silver (2024), X Games Bronze (2024) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rell Harwood injured?
Yes. Harwood is currently competing without an ACL in her knee following a tear in March 2025. She also recently recovered from a back injury sustained in December 2025.
What event is she competing in today?
As of 14 February 2026, Harwood is participating in the Women’s Freeski Big Air qualification rounds at the Livigno Snow Park in Italy.
Where did Rell Harwood grow up?
She grew up in Park City, Utah, and was involved in local ski teams from a young age, eventually rising through the ranks of the U.S. Freeski Team.
Has she won any Olympic medals?
As this is her Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Games, she has not yet won an Olympic medal. Her previous major successes include two podium finishes at the 2024 X Games.