Talking ACL injuries on ABC (South Australia) - Interview with Ky Wynne and Matt Stephens

After a successful and engaging interview on ABC NSW on the 9th February (see info here), Ky Wynne was invited by ABC South Australia to discuss ACL injuries with Matt Stephens during the breakfast program. While the topics did share similarity with the interview on the 9th February, this interview explored ACL injury risks, discussed parallels with team based sports and skiing injuries (and their differences), and referenced the topical Winter Olympics injuries of Lindsey Vonn, Daisey Thomas and Laura Peel. Ky also expanded on some of the factors potentially influencing Australia "punching above their weight" in the Winter Olympics.

You can see details from the ABC interview below, including the link to the ABC listen website, a summary from the 10 minute interview, and a link to Ky's social media page which has further information and free physiotherapy education.

INTERVIEW RECORDING: see ABC South Australia interview here

• Starts: 2hours 9minutes

• Length: 10 minutes

INSTAGRAM VIDEO @kywynnephysio

Ky Wynne, a physiotherapist at Athlete's Edge Physiotherapy and a Physiotherapy Academic at RMIT University, discusses the Winter Olympics and the high injury risks in skiing, especially ACL injuries due to the sport's high speed, rotational demands, and fixed foot positioning. He explains intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors affecting skiers and comments on Lindsey Vonn's decision to compete with an ACL injury (ACL deficient knee), emphasizing that elite athletes' choices are not general recommendations for recreational level, and there are many factors warranting consideration. Ky compares injury mechanisms in skiing to those in Australian sports like AFL, noting both similarities and differences. Despite Australia's non-cold climate, the nation excels in winter sports due to its strong sporting culture, talent identification programs, infrastructure like water ramp jumps, and psychological traits such as grit and determination. The interview highlights the complexity of injury risks and Australia's unexpected success on the Winter Olympic stage.

KEY POINTS from the ABC Interview

1. What makes watching the Winter Olympics special for viewers in Australia?

During the Winter Olympics, even people who know little about winter sports become armchair experts because the events are broadcast on TV, exposing Australians to sports they don't usually see, like curling.

2. Who is Ky Wynne and what is his role?

Ky Wynne is a physiotherapist at Athlete's Edge Physiotheray and a Physiotherapy Academic at in the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences at RMIT University.

3. What types of Winter Olympic sports does Ky Wynne prefer?

Ky Wynne prefers sports that involve high speed, high air demands, tricks, and big air events because they are more action-packed and thrilling.

4. Why are ACL injuries common in skiing, especially at the Olympics?

ACL injuries are common due to skiing's high speed, change of direction, jump landings, single leg loading, rotational movements, fixed feet in skis and bindings, and high force demands. Intrinsic factors like female sex, strength imbalances, and previous injuries, as well as environmental factors like ski conditions and equipment, also contribute.

5. What was notable about Lindsey Vonn's participation in the Olympics despite her ACL injury?

Lindsey Vonn competed in the Olympics with an ACL injury, which was a calculated decision made with her medical team considering her elite status and risk profile. However, she suffered another injury during the competition.

6. Should recreational skiers ski without an ACL like elite athletes?

No, recreational skiers should not take elite athletes' decisions as examples. Skiing without an ACL carries significant risks, and anyone considering it should consult experts and do sufficient strength and control training.

7. How do ACL injury risks in Winter Olympic sports compare to those in Australian sports like AFL and NRL?

There are similarities in landing and turning movements, but AFL and other team sports involve 360-degree movement, contact, and rapid deceleration, which are major factors in ACL injuries. Skiing adds high speed and rotational demands, increasing risk. Similar in some ways, but also different in many. Both have high ACL injury rates.

8. Is the snow at Winter Olympic courses soft?

No, although it may look soft, the courses are set up to be firm and stable because soft snow can increase injury risk by reducing visibility and control. The snow is not as soft as it appears.

9. How has Australia achieved success in Winter Olympic sports despite being a non-cold climate nation?

Australia's sporting culture, well-established talent identification and transfer pathways (e.g., from gymnastics to skiing), infrastructure like water ramp jumps for year-round training, and psychological traits like grit and determination contribute to its success.

10. What is the general attitude of Australians towards trying new sports?

Australians have a can-do attitude and are willing to try any sport, which helps them punch above their weight on the world stage, including in winter sports.