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Skis to Please

After skiing for years, bad luck struck with MCL and PCL injuries.

Michael Kent Plambeck had always loved the thrill of snow skiing. March of 2024 was supposed to be no different. He had planned a grand trip to Park City, Utah, with a big group of friends and family, eager to make the most of the tail end of the skiing season. This year, the snow base was an impressive 90 inches plus, promising perfect conditions for skiing every day. The weather was also on their side, with clear skies and sunshine illuminating the pristine white slopes.


Park City is known for its luxurious ski resorts, many of which offer ski-in/ski-out accommodations. Ski-in/ski-out means that you can ski directly from your doorstep to the slopes and back, without needing to take any transportation to get to the ski lifts. It's a convenience that many skiers cherish, but this year, Michael's group had decided to do things a bit differently. Instead of opting for ski-in/ski-out accommodations, they had hired Robert, a German driver with a wealth of experience navigating the mountainous terrain, to shuttle them to and from the slopes each day.


The first few days of the trip were a dream. The group would wake up early, pile into the spacious van driven by Robert, and head straight to the ski lifts. The mornings were crisp and the snow was perfect, providing excellent conditions for skiing. Michael, an experienced skier, took on the more challenging slopes with confidence, carving his way down the mountain with precision and grace.


However, on the fourth day of their trip, Michael's luck took a turn. It started as a perfect day like any other. They arrived at the resort, geared up, and hit the slopes. Michael felt invincible as he navigated the steep trails, but on one particular run, he misjudged a turn. His ski caught an edge, and he went down hard. The pain was immediate and intense. He knew something was wrong.


Michael was quickly attended to by the ski patrol and taken to the nearest medical facility. After a thorough examination, the diagnosis was clear: he had torn his posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his knee. The news was devastating. The PCL is a critical ligament that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone, while the MCL runs along the inner part of the knee and helps stabilize it. Both injuries meant that Michael would need significant time to recover and that his skiing for the season was over.


Despite the injury, Michael's spirits remained surprisingly high. His friends and family rallied around him, offering support and encouragement. Robert, their ever-reliable driver, ensured that Michael got to his medical appointments and made his way around the town without any trouble. The group adjusted their plans, spending more time enjoying the town's amenities, dining at local restaurants, and exploring the charming shops of Park City.


The weather continued to be perfect throughout the remainder of their stay. While Michael couldn't join his friends on the slopes, he found other ways to enjoy the trip. He spent time at the resort's spa, indulging in massages and treatments that helped alleviate some of the discomfort from his injury. In the evenings, the group would gather around the fireplace, sharing stories and laughter, creating memories that would last long after the snow had melted.


Michael's injury also served as a reminder of the importance of safety and caution on the slopes. It was a sobering experience, but it also brought the group closer together. They took extra precautions, skiing more mindfully and looking out for one another, ensuring that everyone stayed safe and had fun.


As the trip came to an end, Michael couldn't help but reflect on the experience. Despite the injury, he felt grateful for the time spent with loved ones and the beauty of Park City. The support from his friends, family, and even Robert, their driver, had made a difficult situation much more bearable. Michael knew that his recovery would take time, but he was determined to come back stronger and more cautious in the future.


In the end, the trip to Park City was a mix of highs and lows, but it was an adventure that Michael would never forget. The injury was just a part of the journey, a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of resilience. And as he looked out at the snow-covered mountains on their last day, he felt a sense of peace and gratitude, knowing that he would return to the slopes one day, ready to embrace the thrill of skiing once more.

There’s nothing quite like the joy of watching your child excel in something they’re passionate about. On October 29th, I watched with pride as my son, Preston Plambeck, took to the field with Inter Miami CF Academy, delivering an unforgettable performance in their latest match. The team triumphed with a commanding 5-1 victory, and Preston played a pivotal role, contributing two crucial assists that set the tone for the match. This was a remarkable game, and for me, it was a reminder of how far Preston has come.

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This was the ninth game of the season, and Inter Miami has continued to impress with their focus and skill. The win brings their record to six wins, two losses, and one draw—an impressive feat considering the caliber of competition in the Florida-South Division. With five games remaining in the season, the team sits comfortably in first place among 14 teams, a testament to their hard work and dedication.

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Watching Preston start and play through the game reminded me of the hours he’s dedicated to his craft. He’s been honing his skills, always striving to be better, and this season, he’s been rewarded for his efforts. Not only is he listed as one of the team’s top scorers, but he’s also become an indispensable part of the team’s strategy, setting up plays and showing incredible vision on the field. Assisting on those first two goals showcased not only his skill but his teamwork and understanding of the game—a joy for any soccer fan to witness.

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As I watched Inter Miami’s impressive display, I couldn’t help but notice how the team has grown over the course of the season. The early games showed promise, but these last two wins have been particularly impressive as the team has begun to truly sync. Their communication on the field has improved remarkably, with players anticipating each other’s movements and playing with a level of confidence that only comes from shared experience. It’s clear that they’ve been working hard to improve their passing game, and the results are evident in these recent dominant victories.

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Preston and his teammates have formed a bond that’s becoming stronger with every game, and it’s been amazing to see their commitment to each other and to their shared goal of a successful season. Watching them at the top of the standings is not just a proud moment for us parents but a reward for all the effort these young athletes put in week after week. Every victory and every assist counts as they strive for excellence, and they’re showing that they’re a force to be reckoned with in the league.

With five games left in the season, we’re hopeful for continued success. There’s no guarantee of what’s to come, but one thing is certain: Preston and his teammates will give their all to keep that top spot. I’ll be there cheering him on, supporting him every step of the way, and celebrating not only his achievements but also the dedication and love he brings to the game.
 

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