Rebecka Vitesson’s 2024 CrossFit Games season was cut short when she tore her ACL during Event 3 of the European Semifinal. Vitesson, coming off her rookie debut at the CrossFit Games last season, was anticipated to make a return trip this season. But her second appearance at the CrossFit Games is now on hold as she must come back from ACL surgery.
Four weeks following Vitesson’s injury, she went in for surgery yesterday to begin the process of getting back onto the competition floor. However, going into the surgery the surgeons were unsure if they would be able to repair the ACL with one surgery or if it would require a second surgery.
In a video shared two weeks ago, Vitesson explained that the surgeons were going to begin with repairing her meniscus and then evaluate whether the area where they would attach the new ACL were strong enough. If not, Vitesson would have to undergo a second surgery four months later.
The good news is that Vitesson received good news when she came out of surgery yesterday. The surgeons were able to complete the ACL replacement (she received a donor ligament) and a second surgery is not needed.
With the surgery behind her, Vitesson must now begin the rehabilitation process. In speaking with Vitesson, she spoke about the timeline, “I’m not sure about next season and right now I’m just going to take it one day at a time.”
But could she make it back onto the competition floor in 2025? “I will probably be able to participate in the first part (the Open), but won’t be in full shape,” Vitesson said. “I expect to be able to a lot of stuff by then, but heavy lifting and jumping will be off limits for at least six to eight months.”
So for now Vitesson is going to focus on being patient and smart in hopes that rehab will go smoothly. If all falls into place, don’t be surprised if we see her back on the competition floor sooner than later.Â
