Hudec undergoing surgery for torn ACL

Canadian Jan Hudec, injured in the World Championship downhill Saturday Feb. 7, has torn his left ACL and will undergo surgery, according to team officials.Canadian Jan Hudec, injured in the World Championship downhill Saturday Feb. 7, has torn his left ACL and will undergo surgery, according to team officials.

Canadian head men’s coach Paul Kristofic said, “Jan has expressed to me his commitment to his recovery and drive to be ready to ski and train with the team as soon as possible. He’s had experience in recovering from this type of injury and is surrounded by a team that is 100 percent behind him. Our staff and racers are looking forward to having him back with us soon.”

Hudec had barely returned to action after a similar injury to his right knee sustained in January last season in a downhill training run at Wengen. He returned at Wengen this season and finished eighth.

Near the end of the men’s downhill at the World Championships, in a race won by teammate John Kucera, Hudec crashed and slid into the fences lining the course, sustaining the tear to his left knee.

Alpine Canada Alpin Medical Director Dr. Christopher Irving said Hudec will have surgery to repair the injury at the renowned Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic in London, Ontario, the same facility that handled the procedure on his other knee a year and a month ago.

Hudec is hopeful he can return to form in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Canada.