Svindal arrives back in Norway in good spirits

More than a week after his horrendous crash on the demanding “Birds of Prey” downhill course in Beaver Creek, Aksel Lund Svindal flew back home in a private jet organized for him by a wealthy Norwegian businessman.
MORE THAN A WEEK after his horrendous crash on the demanding “Birds of Prey” downhill course in Beaver Creek, Aksel Lund Svindal flew back home in a private jet organized for him by a wealthy Norwegian businessman.
    He answered a few questions during a short press conference hold at the Oslo airport at his arrival and told the media he is feeling as well as possible and that he would not hurry to get back on the World Cup tour.
    “My main focus right now is to be fit and in good health again and soon find back my usual weight,” said the defending overall world cup champion who also explained that he lost around 10 kilos in the days following his crash which occurred during the first downhill training run last week.
    “I was able to walk around a little on Friday and I have now the feeling that things are improving at a nice pace,” the Norwegian added.
    “I’m only 24 and hopefully I’ll compete for many more years so it’s not too hard to miss a few months of racing. I’m looking forward to relaxing at my father’s place until New Year. Then I’ll start with a few smooth exercises to slowly get back in shape. The doctors are pleased with the way I’m recovering and this is the most important for me. For sure there are no reasons for me to hurry and return too early on the circuit if I don’t feel able to win again.”
    Svindal, who suffers several face injuries and a deep cut in the upper part of his leg, underwent a nearly five-hour operation in Vail after his accident. “The surgeons did a great job in that clinic,” said Svindal, who still can’t eat normally because of his abdominal injuries.
    The tall Scandinavian also expressed gratitude toward all the racers who came to visit him at the hospital a few days after his accident. “You can see there is a great brotherhood between us, they all came to see me,” said the two-time world champion who even received a red leader bib signed by all the top skiers.
    Svindal briefly described the circumstances of his crash and explained that he tried to land on his bottom when it was obvious that he would crash badly after being suddenly airlifted after the “Golden Eagle” jump.
    “I first thought that everything was fine after I checked my legs but when I saw all the blood I realized it was more serious than it looked a first.”
    After winning two of the first four races in Austria and Canada, Svindal was clearly leading the overall world cup standings when he arrived in Beaver Creek.  All the top-contenders said they will miss him a lot during this winter.
    “He is such a great character and a nice guy too, we need him back on the tour as soon as possible,” said Austria’s Benjamin Raich.