U.S. water ski athlete Regina Jaquess suffered a torn ACL on her right knee on Sunday while training in jump for the 2021 Nautique Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament, presented by GM Marine Engine Technology. She is scheduled to undergo surgery today (Thursday, May 27) in Birmingham, Ala. Jim Jaquess, Regina’s father, says the goal is to get Regina in a rehabilitation program as soon as possible so that she can compete in slalom at the 2021 IWWF Water Ski World Championships in October. She is expected to be off the water for at least three months, according to Jim Jaquess.

Jaquess suffered the injury on her last jump set of her training session on Sunday at Bennett’s Ski School in Zachary, La. According to Jim Jaquess, Regina landed the jump fine, but rode back to the dock because she felt she had tweaked her right knee when she hit the ramp. After experiencing significant discomfort, Jaquess underwent an MRI on Monday evening. Dr. Lyle Cain Jr., of Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, will perform the surgery.

The news of Jaquess’ injury comes two days before the 61st Nautique Masters, where Jaquess was the favorite this year to win women’s slalom and jump. The tournament will now be without three of the sport’s biggest stars. Defending men’s jumping champion Ryan Dodd (Canada) announced last week that he would be unable to compete due to an ankle injury, and defending women’s jumping champion Jacinta Carroll (Australia) was unable to make the trip to the United States due to travel restrictions related to COVID-19.

The 2021 IWWF Water Ski World Championships is scheduled for Oct. 11-17 at Jack Travers’ International Tournament Skiing and Sunset Lakes in Groveland, Fla.