We are wishing 25 year old Olympic Gold Medalist Kaitlyn Farrington all the best. The sad news about her early retirement due to medical reasons, was posted on her instagram page just hours ago. Kaitlyn won gold for the USA in snowboard half-pipe in Sochi & has been a favorite of fans everywhere.

Her instagram post explains that after taking a fall in Austria she got an MRI which showed that she had congenital cervical stenosis of the spine, which was a condition she was born with and never knew she had. She goes on to explain that it has taken her a few months to come to terms with her diagnosis and the fact that she must retire from competitive snowboarding.

We will miss seeing your smiling face at half pipe competitions Kaitlyn, you always made every run look like so much fun - even when the pressure was on.  You are an inspiration on the snow & off to so many girls, and that never ends.  Keep smiling.   xx