ALPINE:

Kucera recovering from surgery, targets a fall return to slopes

Feb. 18, 2011 — Alpine Canada  

Canadian Alpine Ski Team racer John Kucera is hoping to be back on his skis by the fall after undergoing surgery to repair an undisplaced fracture of his left tibia.

The 2009 downhill world champion from Calgary, Alta., reinjured his tibia Wednesday when he crashed while forerunning in Aspen, Colorado. The original injury dates back to November 2009, when he crashed at the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup and subsequently had surgery.

"He had an undisplaced tibia fracture through the previous injury site," said Dr. Stephen French, medical co-director for Alpine Canada.

"The surgery went very well. The bone was reinforced and a bone graft was completed to help the tibia heal as fast as possible."

Kucera, 26, had spent the past few weeks forerunning and training to help him prepare for a return to World Cup competition.

Dr. French noted that Kucera had spent a lot of time building up his strength and fitness in the gym prior to being injured Wednesday, which will help him in the recovery process. Kucera could be back skiing again by the fall.

"He is recuperating and looking forward to his rehabilitation in a very positive mind frame," said Dr. French. "He had been in absolutely tremendous shape just prior to the injury and this will serve him well in his rehabilitation."