Ski Jumping
Born to fly: Hendrickson is back on the hill
19-year-old US ski jumper Sarah Hendrickson gives an update on her recovery following knee surgery.
Sarah Hendrickson
© Nate Christenson/Red Bull Content Pool
2013 Ski Jumping World Champion Sarah Hendrickson is back in training, five months after sustaining a knee injury during a jump in Obersdorf, Germany.
Hendrickson underwent ACL reconstruction, MCL and meniscal repair at the end of August last year and it's been a long road back.
I know I am still not 100 percent. However everything is going great so far.
For the past week, Hendrickson has been jumping the 90-metre hill at Park City in Utah under the direction of Women’s Ski Jumping USA head coach Alan Alborn.
“I think I was born to be a ski jumper," says Hendrickson. "The feeling of that first jump back was one of the best sensations in the entire world. I just let go of the bar and felt completely comfortable. All my nerves simply disappeared. My knee feels very good considering the situation.”
Sarah has had to train hard
© Gali Anikee/Red Bull Content Pool
Since surgery, Hendrickson has been rehabbing six to eight hours a day with team physical therapists at the US Ski Team’s Center of Excellence in Park City.
“Every day in the gym I was dreaming about the days when I would be back on the jumps. Now that I have made it to that point, it is a weight lifted off my shoulders. I, of course, didn't do this alone. My medical team, coaches, and all my supporters pushed me to make this possible and I can't thank them enough.
“Of course, my knee gets sore after a hard day of training but that is to be expected and it’s nothing I can't push past. I am still taking it day by day. I know I am still not 100 percent. However everything is going great so far.”
