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Ready to race Croatian Kostelic set to return from longterm injury
Updated: Wednesday October 25, 2000 12:01 PM
ZAGREB (Reuters) -- Croatian Alpine skier Janica Kostelic will return from a career-threatening injury to race in Austria this weekend but she does not expect to win again for some time. "I am in good shape, not doing bad at all, but I have no great expectations for this season," the 18-year old said in a telephone conversation after a training session in Hintertux, Austria. "The most important thing is to keep in shape and go through the season without new injuries," said Kostelic. Kostelic was leading the overall women's World Cup when she crashed last December during downhill training on the Corviglia piste at the Swiss resort of St Moritz. She underwent surgery to repair torn knee ligaments but had to miss the rest of the season. "I am not 100 percent recovered. The leg still hurts a bit but I can stand it," Kostelic said, adding that she might miss some of the more dangerous downhills this season for fear of picking up new injuries. The Croatian, who won two of the first three slaloms of last season, said she hoped to shift into higher gear next year in time for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. "My great wish is to get a medal there, although it won't be easy," she said. Kostelic said she had been in contact with her rivals. "They all know I am coming back and they were a little surprised to see me skiing again so soon," she said. "But I don't know if they should fear me this season -- I really do not expect any medals," she said. The season starts with a giant slalom on the glacier in the Austrian resort of Soelden on Saturday. The world championships are also in Austria next year in St. Anton.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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