Three and a half months after sustaining a torn left anterior cruciate ligament and outer miniscal tear Austrian Benjamin Raich, a five time Olympic medalist, six time World Championship individual medalist and eight time World Cup title winner, is well on his way to recovery for another season.

Raich, 33, said during a June 1 press conference at the Sanatorium Kettenbrucke, “My body is ahead of the schedule. If I continue to make such progress I would like to train on snow by the end of August. But it is important that I do not do bad stuff, and remain concentrated on my work outs.”

Raich showed off his knee’s strength with some weight lifting and exercises ahead of the press conference and said both doctor Karl Golser and therapist Robert Weber were “happy with my progress. It has constantly improved. All in all, I am satisfied with my health.”

He said his goal was to be ready for the World Cup opener at Soelden in October, but only if he was satisfied to be back at a 100 percent. Therapists estimated Raich is currently at 45 to 60percent of his normal power.

Raich was injured during the team event at the World Championships in Garmisch, Feb. 16.

Gepa photo