Lake Wanaka, New Zealand – The first day of Junior Worlds kicked off with disappointing news for New Zealand Olympian Rebecca Sinclair (Bex).nSinclair had hoped to represent New Zealand in both the Snowboard Cross and Halfpipe, but at the Snowboard Cross training on Friday Sinclair’s ankle, which she injured pre-season, was still presenting problems.

Sinclair sat out the Burton NZ Open in the hope that her ankle would make a full recovery in time for the Junior Worlds events. Sinclair’s coach, Rachel Newton made the recommendation Friday that Sinclair withdraw from the Snowboard Cross.

“Bex would be unwise to compete on such a technical course when her ankle is not 100 percent healed. We hope she will be able to perform in the Halfpipe later in the week,” Newton said.

“The course looks amazing, really technical and the best I have seen at Cardrona,” said Sinclair. “I really enjoy boardercross and am truly gutted I can’t compete on my home turf, it is very frustrating.”

She went on to wish Benji Sutherland good luck in the competition. Sutherland and Sinclair were set to be the only girl and boy to represent New Zealand at the Junior Worlds Snowboard Cross.