ALPINE:

Doctors 'optimistic' for Hans Grugger's recovery

Jan. 23, 2011 — The Canadian Press

INNSBRUCK, Austria — Doctors treating Hans Grugger are optimistic about the skier's condition but can't give a prognosis for his recovery, three days after the Austrian had brain surgery following a crash in downhill training.

The University Hospital in Innsbruck said in a statement Sunday that "the overall picture of test results gives doctors reason to be optimistic."

The hospital says Grugger had a quiet night without complications but that he will be kept in an induced coma.

The 29-year-old Grugger lost balance at a long jump at Kitzbühel's Streif course Thursday and smashed his head on the icy slope upon landing. He was brought by helicopter to the hospital and was in surgery for five hours.  S-Magazine