USA's Brianna Decker issues statement after horrible injury takes her out of the Olympics

She has already won Olympic gold in women's hockey, but this is not the way Brianna Decker wanted the 2022 Games to end for her. In her team's very first match, she was taken out of the tournament completely by an awful looking leg injury after getting tangled up with a member of Team Finland midway through the first period. You can view full video of the incident at the end of this story.

Decker has released her first update since that injury. In it, she thanks fans for their outpouring of support, and adds she staying in China with her team until the Games are done, even though she can't play. In her Tweet, you can see the large cast on her leg. While it's never been called anything other than a "leg injury", it's pretty safe to assume that it was broken.

"I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has reached out to me over the last few days. The outreach has been more than incredible and I am truly thankful for each and every text, email, tweet,DM and phone call. I wish I could answer each and every one of you individually and hope to one day soon. I appreciate all the words of encouragement and support - I truly do," said Decker.

"I would like everyone to know that I am in good hands and have a incredible staff that is taking great care of me. Being surrounded by my sisters is exactly where I want and need to be. I am excited to remain here with the team and help any imaginable way to help to accomplish the original goal what we have set out to achieve," she added.

"Hand me a clipboard, it's time to get back to work with my girls!"

Decker won Olympic gold with the US women's team in 2018, as well as silver in 2014. She also has six gold medals from the World Hockey Championships.

hope to one day soon. I appreciate all the words of encouragement and support - I truly do.

I would like everyone to know that I am in good hands and have a incredible staff that is taking great care of me. Being surrounded by my
sisters is exactly where I want and need to be— Brianna Decker (@Bdecker14) February 5, 2022

Thank you to my family here and back home in the USA, and thank you to the fans across the globe cheering us on. We can hear your cheers echoing throughout Beijing. Hand me a clipboard, it's time to get back to work with my girls. Let's go USA!— Brianna Decker (@Bdecker14) February 5, 2022