Wednesday, January 2, 2002
Brydon races toward a speedy comeback
By RON MANZ -- Calgary Sun
There will be an Olympic dream for Emily Brydon in 2002 after all.
Brydon's doctor has given the 21-year-old Fernie, B.C., skier the green light to return to training on snow this week, depending on the arrival of her knee brace.
The news comes six weeks after Brydon underwent reconstructive surgery on her left knee to repair torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in a spill training for the World Cup giant slalom Nov. 10 in Colorado.
It gives her nearly seven weeks of training for her first Olympic trip.
"There was not as much neurological damage in my knee as you would normally expect for this type of injury," said Brydon. "My doctor was able to use part of my old ACL and a hamstring graft to make the repairs. My recovery has gone along very well and I'm now fully mobile, thanks to a lot of rehabilitation and hard work."
Brydon has been living in Canmore and working daily with her personal trainer and physiotherapist. She has been doing weight training, stationary bike riding and even some snowshoeing for fresh-air exercise.
"There are a lot of factors that have been responsible for my rapid recovery. I was in really great shape from all my off-season work to recover from the right knee injury that ended my season last spring. I had a great surgeon to fix this latest problem and I have a great support network around me to help make sure I'm doing all the right things to speed up my recovery time."
Brydon will continue to concentrate on preparing to race only slalom and giant slalom this winter. The seriousness of her first knee injury led doctors and Alpine Canada officials to decide she would not race downhill or super-G prior to the start of this season. Her latest knee injury reinforced that status.
"I went from not likely being able to ski at all this winter to being restricted to slalom and giant slalom only. It's a major step, for sure, to be able to race, period. I have already been cleared for slalom but I still have to prove I can take the pounding in giant slalom before I will be allowed to race it."
Brydon aims to take part in the final World Cup slalom and giant slalom races prior to the Olympics in Are, Sweden, Feb. 2-3.
"I haven't raced for a year, so my first time in the starting gate this year will be a real challenge. I need to overcome a few mental obstacles to confirm my physical ability is where it needs to be. But I am optimistic I will be ready for the Olympics. I may not necessarily be in full form but I will be there to do the very best I can."
2002 Games Alpine Skiing Coverage
