Park City, UT - Olympic champion Ted Ligety (Park City, UT), who suffered a knee injury Saturday in downhill training at the Nature Valley U.S. Alpine Championships in Alaska, will be in a brace for a few weeks but U.S. Ski Team officials are optimistic for his recovery. Ligety underwent an MRI scan Tuesday in Park City with the Team's Dr. Vern Cooley at the Rosenberg, Cooley, Metcalf Clinic to determine the extent of the injury.


According to U.S. Ski Team Medical Director Richard Quincy, Ligety suffered damage to the medial collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments in his right knee, and some bone bruises. But there was no sign of damage to the more significant anterior cruciate ligament or to the menisci. At this time, no surgery is planned.

"We're optimistic for Ted so far," said Quincy. "He'll be in a DonJoy knee immobilizer for up to two weeks and we'll re-evaluate his injuries." There was no immediate determination on a date to return to on-snow training.

"I feel pretty fortunate that it's not as bad as it could be," said Ligety, who earned a bronze medal at the recent World Championships. "At this point, I'm just going to rest and recuperate in Park City. I'll have regular check-ups and will hopefully be able to get back into preparing for the Olympic season in the not too distant future."