Successful knee surgery for World Champion Sarah Hendrickson

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PARK CITY, UT – World Champion ski jumper Sarah Hendrickson underwent successful surgery on her right knee Thursday and is resting comfortably at her home in Park City. The surgery stems from an injury sustained during a training jump in Obersdorf, Germany, on Aug. 21.

Hendrickson underwent ACL reconstruction, MCL and meniscal repair, according to U.S. Ski Team Medical Director Kyle Wilkens. The surgery was performed by U.S. Ski Team physician Dr. Andrew Cooper of Salt Lake City.

“While it's too early to identify a specific recovery window, the medical team will work with Sarah to ensure the best care in rehabilitation,” said Wilkens. “A full recovery is anticipated.”

Hendrickson lauded the excellent care and support she’s received from family, friends, Women’s Ski Jumping USA teammates and coaches, U.S. Ski Team doctors, physical therapists, and athletic trainers.

“Life has a crazy way of working out and this is definitely not the path I had planned,” Hendrickson said. “I'm determined to make my coaches, friends, family, country and myself proud by working as hard as I can on my recovery.”

Alan Alborn, Head Program and Development Coach for Women’s Ski Jumping USA, said Hendrickson has already proven that she can push through a significant injury and rise to the top. Last summer she had surgery to repair damage to her left knee. She was out for five months, but battled back to finish the 2013 World Cup season in second place overall and to win the 2013 World Championships in February in Val di Fiemme, Italy.

“Sarah's professionalism as an athlete not only shines through on the ski jump but in her daily life and most importantly in the gym, where she continuously pushes herself to be the best,” Alborn said. “The coaching staff has all the confidence in the world that she will again return to high level athletic performance.”

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