Paerson’s knee feeling better, will travel to Tarvisio

World Cup veteran and six-time Olympic medalist Anja Paerson of Sewden got good news from doctors today (Feb. 28) as no injuries were found in an MRI of her right knee.

Paerson suddenly pulled out of yesterday’s World Cup super G in Are, Sweden early in the run after hitting her knee on a gate and dropped to the ground clutching the knee in pain. She was later taken to Umeå to be evaluated by team doctor Per Liljeholm.

“The images look great and there is no further damage occurred,” said Paerson, who will now rejoin her team at the site of this weekend’s World Cup races in Tarvisio, Italy. “I go down to Tarvisio in the morning so we’ll see if I can stand on skis again.”

“Anja has a history of minor damage to the cartilage surface of the knee as the knocks and the like can cause similar symptoms that she has now,” said  Liljeholm. “The symptoms can be recognized at this time and there is no danger of anything serious and there is no evidence of new lesions that need to be addressed.”

In Tarvisio, Paerson will continue to rest while receiving treatment from team physiotherapists and trainers.

“It does really hurt when I bend, but otherwise it’s okay.” said Paerson, a 41-time World Cup winner. “I have to rest but we’ll see how long it will be.  It feels good that nothing is broken, and hopefully I can stand on skis again as soon as possible.”