British cyclist Katie Archibald will miss the Olympics after a freak backyard accident

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

Archibald confirmed on Instagram that she dislocated her ankle and tore two ligaments from the bone, and broke her tibia and fibula when she tripped on a step in her backyard. The 30-year-old underwent surgery in Manchester on Wednesday to repair the damage.

“I’m still processing that piece of news, but I thought I’d better confirm it publicly rather than leaving it to the vine (trip hazards and all), Archibald added.”

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

“We share in Katie’s grief over her injury and the cruel way in which she has been denied the opportunity to ride for the medals she so desperately wanted in Paris,” British Cycling added.

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

(Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)