Van undergoes successful knee surgery

PARK CITY, Utah – Olympian and 2009 World Champion Lindsey Van underwent successful surgery on her left knee Thursday in Salt Lake City and today began a robust six-month physical therapy and rehab program.  

Van's procedure included ACL reconstruction and microfracture surgery, performed by U.S. Ski Team physician Dr. Andrew Cooper of Salt Lake City.  

The surgery stems from an injury sustained during an official training jump on Feb. 28 in Rasnov, Romania prior to a World Cup event. Van experienced a normal jump and telemark landing, but her knee gave way as she skied into the outrun. She did not fall or crash.  

“Lindsey did great and the surgery went as expected,” Cooper said. “Lindsey has proven in the past what a great healer she is and she is obviously very motivated. I look forward to watching her get back on the hill.”  

Van, 29, has experienced seven surgeries in her career — including three prior on her left knee.

“Lindsey is an incredibly strong athlete and can do anything she puts her mind to,” said Alan Alborn, head coach and athlete program manager for Women’s Ski Jumping USA. “We’ll take it one day at a time and see where she is in a few months. She’s more than capable of getting back on skis by the fall.”  

When Van was injured, she had just returned to Europe after competing in the long-awaited debut of women's ski jumping in the Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. She was set to compete in the final four World Cup stops of the season — including two large hill events in Oslo, Norway, and Planica, Slovenia.  

“I’m very bummed not to be out there jumping the large hills with the other women, but I know they will put on a great show,” Van said.  

“I appreciate all of the care and support I am receiving. I’m just going to be a spectator for a while and take the time I need to heal and get strong again.”