Jordan Pierre-Gilles wants to take the time needed to treat his right ankle, even though it could mean missing the next stage or two of the World Cup.

Pierre-Gilles was involved in a collision in the first 1000m of his qualifying run on Friday and saw his blade stab in the ice before taking to the mats.

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While the definitive diagnosis won’t be known until the next few days, when he meets the Canadian team doctor on his return to the National Center at Maurice Richard Arena, the Sherbrooke skater is aware that a period of rest will require his ankle completely heal.

“Since my first injury in Quebec in October during the early attempts, my ankle has become more fragile,” he said. It will be important to give me time to come back one hundred percent. It’s the first year of the Olympic cycle and I have to make sure it doesn’t become a chronic injury. Rehabilitation will be important.”

Not fully recovered

Looking back, Pierre-Gilles had to admit that he wasn’t recovering as well as he said when he returned to the World Cup in Montreal at the end of October.

“I told you I was 85 or 90 percent recovered, but it was over 80,” he said. It was less painful, but the pain came back. I saw that my right ankle was not like the left one. It’s not a concern because I have the time and I’m well surrounded by the medical team.

As the rules provide, Pierre-Gilles will request an exception.

“The team is going to the next World Cup in two weeks and it’s clear that I want to go there, but the question is whether I can go there,” he concluded. The focus is on my rehabilitation and taking part in the World Championships in Seoul in mid-March. When I come back I want to be able to fight for medals.”

Pierre-Gilles, author of his first career individual podium at the World Cup in Kazakhstan in December, is pleased with his first half of the season.

“I’m happy with my bronze medal in the 1000m and our three gold medals in the relay, but I want to keep making progress in both the individual and team events. My goal for the end of the season is to consolidate my place in the top 5 and on the podium.

hectic day

Friday the 13th was not easy for Pierre-Gilles. Only in a qualifying run was he unable to avoid a boulder picker who had ventured onto the track at the wrong time.

The skater following him rammed him and his blade caught the face of the third skater who was directly behind him. The unfortunate had to be taken to the hospital. The competition was suspended for 50 minutes.

After surgery, Justin Bessette was back at Place Bell on Saturday to watch the second day of testing.

“It was a typical Friday the 13th,” concluded Pierre-Gilles.