Lenzerheide: Goetschl has knee surgery in Austria

World Cup downhill and super G champion Renate Goetschl underwent surgery on Saturday for a broken tibia and torn cartilage in her right knee.

LENZERHEIDE, Switzerland — World Cup downhill and super G champion Renate Goetschl underwent surgery on Saturday for a broken tibia and torn cartilage in her right knee.
    The Austrian, who spoke to reporters by telephone following her operation in Shruns, Austria, said she was now on crutches and would need to rest her leg until May.
    The 31-year-old injured herself in a downhill training crash at Tarvisio, Italy, on March 1, breaking the head of her tibia — or shin bone.
    ''I've known all this time that something was wrong and I was taking painkillers,'' said Goetschl, who is expected to continue racing at least another season. ''I decided not to run or bike much after that. I had to clench my teeth because racing downhill became so tough after my crash.''
    Since her accident, Goetschl has posted two wins and a second place. She was trying to reclaim the overall World Cup title she won in 2000.
    Goetschl has been runner-up for the overall crown three times and remained in mathematical contention for the title until Saturday's slalom, in which she did not race.
    She has 46 career World Cup wins. She was the 1999 downhill world champion.

    — The Associated Press