Olympics|Kalle Palander has experience with similar injuries as Lindsey Vonn.
Alpine skiing superstar Lindsey Vonn41, announced Tuesday that he will compete in the Olympics, despite a torn ACL.
Vonn’s injury happened during the World Cup competition in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, when she fell violently in the middle of a descent. In the accident, the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee was torn.
The American’s decision to ski in Sunday’s diving competition, despite his bad injury, has attracted attention around the world.
Former alpine skier Kalle Palander however, considers Vonn’s decision to be normal and says that he understands the mental landscape of the American.
“Just basic stuff,” says Palander.
“With an injury like that, you can count. I understand her decision well, since it is Vonn’s last Olympics.”
Palander says that alpine skiers often descend with already damaged cruciate ligaments. Knees are really hard in a sport that involves rapid changes of direction, and injuries are common in the sport.
During his career, Palander also broke the anterior cruciate ligaments of both his legs once. According to him, surgeries are commonplace in sports circles.
“It’s a bit like changing the oil,” Palander laughs.
Kalle Palander himself injured the cruciate ligaments of both his knees during his career.
Injured According to Palander, racing has its own risks, but it is completely possible with certain aids.
“The leg can be numbed and taped, so you can lower with it almost normally. You can also lower with a knee support, but they are a bit awkward and interfere with lowering,” says Palander.
Competing with local anesthesia is not prohibited in the Olympic Law.
Palander says he also smells a bit of “Hollywood” in the matter.
“It could also be that the matter is not as bad as it is claimed to the media. A rather tasty drama arc could be built around that. A bad injury, competing with it and ending your career for Olympic gold. Yes, you can make a great book out of it,” Palander speculates.
From injury despite this, Palander considers Vonn to be the biggest favorite to win when the competition for the Olympic medals in the skydiving takes place next Sunday.
“He is definitely the favorite, injury or not,” Palander enthuses.
Vonn has said that she will compete on Sunday but has not confirmed her participation in next week’s super giant slalom competition.