Torn ankle ligaments have forced X Games gold medallist Jackson Strong to sit out this weekend’s inaugural X-Fighters event in Sydney.

Strong, 19, sustained the injury three weeks ago while practicing for the event at the Metal Mulisha compound in California.

He was disappointed to be sidelined from his home event after spending so much time in preparation.

“It is a bummer to sit out an X-Fighters event, especially as this is the first and only Australian round,” said Strong.

“I had hoped to heal up but there is no way I can ride with my ankle in the condition it is at the moment.

“I’d put a lot of work into building my own replica X-Fighters course to get my freestyle run dialled, and I’ll be spending a lot of time riding it in preparation for the full 2012 season.”

Strong’s focus is now on the Monster Energy Cup in Las Vegas on October 15 where he will contest the Best Trick category.

“The competition season is winding down but I am really looking forward to getting back to America and giving it my all at the ME Cup – it would be an awesome title to take home.”

The Metal Mulisha rider from Wagga Wagga shot to prominency in July when he claimed Best Trick Gold for his front-flip at X Games 17.