Schlopy undergoes surgery in Park City, begins rehabilitation{mosimage}USSA -- Veteran Erik Schlopy, bronze medalist in giant slalom at the 2003 world championships, has undergone surgery to repair a torn left anterior cruciate ligament and is starting his rehabilitation at home. He is expected back on skis by early summer.

Schlopy, 30, tore the ligament in a crash during the giant slalom November 22 at the Chevy Truck America's Opening at Park City, Utah, Mountain Resort. He underwent reconstructive surgery Tuesday afternoon as an out-patient procedure with Dr. Vernon Cooley at HealthSouth Surgery Center in Park City, returning home later that day.

"Erik's started his recovery and is expected to be back on skis in five or six months," said Melinda Roalstad, medical director for the U.S. Ski Team. "The surgery went well."

He will be non-weight-bearing for the next week or two but is doing physical therapy to restore the range of motion in his knee, she said.