While his national team teammates practiced Tuesday in the new facilities of the Yves LaRoche acrobatic center, the athlete from Quebec City observed the action at the edge of the track.

Irving was injured at the beginning of December in Ruka, Finland, as he prepared to play the first stop of the World Cup season.

It's nothing too serious, but we figured it was best to take more time in the gym to get back healthy, the 26-year-old clarified .

He will also skip the Deer Valley stage next week in Utah.

[Before the injury] training in Finland was going great. [...] Apart from the knee, at the moment, everything is really good. My body is fine and I feel very, very confident. I just really can't wait to do it again, assured Irving.

Back on track

Lewis Irving is looking forward to returning to on-snow training next week. Failing to participate in the three World Cups presented before the Olympic Games (OG), he will arrive in Beijing with three weeks of snow training in his body. It's not ideal, he agrees.

Lucky that I have already done them [the Olympic Games], in 2018. I know a little about what to expect. We will do the necessary preparation to get there, he explained.

His experience of the Pyeongchang Games, where he finished 24th, and the six medals he won during his career in the World Cup make him believe in his chances of a podium in Beijing.

Based on how I was jumping before the injury, in such a short time, it's a very good possibility, said Irving, who is also confident in view of the team event.

In view of the upcoming departure for China, Irving has been integrated into the health bubble of the national team, even if he is sidelined from the competition. The objective is obviously to prevent outbreaks of COVID-19 within the group.

That's a big part of what we're going through right now. We try to take as many precautions as possible. I'm at the hotel, like the rest of the athletes. We thought we were going to put me in the bubble with everyone and minimize contact as much as possible. My girlfriend and my parents go grocery shopping for me and bring the food to my room. Everyone is doing their part to keep me safe and able to train before the Games, said the freestyle skier.

(With information from Jean-Philippe Martin)