World Champion Hendrickson returns to ski jump training

PARK CITY, Utah — Reigning World Champion Sarah Hendrickson has successfully returned to ski jump training, just five months after sustaining a knee injury during a training jump in Obersdorf, Germany.

For the past week, Hendrickson has been jumping the 90-meter hill at Utah Olympic Park in Park City under the direction of Alan Alborn, Women’s Ski Jumping USA head coach, and U.S. Ski Team medical staff.

“I think I was born to be a ski jumper. The feeling of that first jump back was one of the best sensations in the entire world. I just let go of the bar and felt completely comfortable. All my nerves simply disappeared,” Hendrickson said. “My knee feels very good considering the situation.”

[WATCH SARAH SKI JUMP TRAINING]

On Aug. 29, Hendrickson underwent ACL reconstruction, MCL and meniscal repair. The surgery was performed by U.S. Ski Team physician Dr. Andrew Cooper of Salt Lake City. Since surgery, Hendrickson has been rehabbing six to eight hours a day with team physical therapists at the U.S. Ski Team’s Center of Excellence in Park City.

Alborn said Hendrickson’s return to snow has been positive and methodical.

“Sarah has done an outstanding job of taking baby steps every day. She has exceeded everyone’s expectations and continues to do so,” Alborn said.

The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association will announce its formal Olympic Ski Jumping Team nomination on Wednesday, Jan. 22 in Park City, Utah.

Additional quotes —

Sarah Hendrickson

“Every day in the gym I was dreaming about the days when I would be back on the jumps. Now that I have made it to that point, it is weight lifted off my shoulder. I, of course, didn't do this alone. My medical team, coaches, and all my supporters pushed me to make this possible and I can't thank them enough.”

“Of course my knee gets sore after a hard day of training but that is to be expected and it’s nothing I can't push past. I am still taking it day by day. I know I am still not 100 percent based on the timing out of surgery. However, everything is going great so far.”

---------------------

MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Childers, Communications & Media Director,  whitney.childers@wsjusa.com