Tuesday, February 10, 2009
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Tom Kelly, tkelly@ussa.org

Vonn Plans to Race Again This Week

VAL d'ISERE, France (Feb. 10) - Double World Champion Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) is expected to compete again this week in the FIS Alpine Ski World Championships in Val d'Isere after having surgery on her right thumb Tuesday at Privatklinik Hochrum near Innsbruck, Austria.

According to U.S. Ski Team Medical Director Richard Quincy, Vonn had surgery to repair a tendon in her right thumb. The surgery was performed by Dr. Christian Fink of Privatklinik Hochrum. The U.S. Ski Team's Dr. Jeff Harrison accompanied Vonn. She will remain overnight in Austria and return to Val d'Isere Wednesday.

"The surgery went fine and we're appreciative of the care she had from Dr. Fink and Privatklinik Hochrum," said Quincy. "She will have a splint and should be able to grip her ski pole. We anticipate she will be ready to compete in Saturday's slalom and possibly the giant slalom Thursday."

"Everything went really well and I couldn't be more thankful for the care that I've received," said Vonn, who has captured gold medals in super G and downhill in Val d'Isere. "The support from my fans has been awesome. I'm looking forward to returning to Worlds and challenging for another medal."

Vonn injured the thumb Monday evening opening a bottle of champagne at a victory celebration. She was treated by Dr. Harrison at the Team hotel. She flew to Innsbruck Tuesday for a detailed examination and the followup surgery.