Jossi Wells out of New Zealand Winter Olympics team

Jossi Wells competing at the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014. Photo / Photosport

Jossi Wells, one of New Zealand's leading medal hopes for the upcoming Winter Olympics, has been forced to withdraw from the event due to injury.

Wells, 27, tore his patella tendon in June 2017. He underwent a thorough rehabilitation programme in New Zealand before Christmas and was back on snow in late December.

However, on his return to snow it became apparent that his knee was not yet ready for the loading required to compete and meet his high standards at Olympic level.

He made the decision to withdraw in conjunction with the Snow Sports New Zealand medical team.

“I’m devastated to have had to come to this decision- I gave this rehabilitation everything I had" @JossiWells

We regret to announce the withdrawal of @snowsports_nz athlete Jossi Wells from the NZ Olympic Team to #PyeongChang2018 https://t.co/lCchLW9YnY

😢 #EarnTheFern pic.twitter.com/XbgYLetenw

— The New Zealand Team (@TheNZTeam) January 9, 2018

"I'm devastated to have had to come to this decision," wells said in a statement on Tuesday. "I gave this rehabilitation everything I had and unfortunately it has just come down to timing.

"I would like to thank Snow Sports NZ and the NZOC for their amazing support during this rehabilitation, it truly means the world to me to have such a great team in my corner. I would also like to thank the New Zealand public for their support over the years and I look forward to representing you all in the future.

"I wish the best to the rest of the team and I look forward to supporting each of the incredible athletes representing our great nation."