Swiss downhill ace Didier Cuche cleared to ski after successful surgery on broken thumb
By APSaturday, January 30, 2010
Cuche cleared to ski after surgery on broken thumb
ZURICH, Switzerland — Olympic medal contender Didier Cuche is expected to ski again next week after a successful operation on his broken right thumb.
Cuche had surgery Saturday to insert a titanium plate and stabilize the damage from his crash Friday in a giant slalom race at Kranjska Gora, Slovenia.
The Swiss ski federation said Cuche would train next week using a special protective splint.
Cuche leads the World Cup downhill standings and was a likely favorite for the Vancouver Olympics race on Feb. 13.
The 35-year-old racer aims to become the oldest Olympic champion in men’s Alpine skiing history.
Cuche has competed at three previous Olympics and won silver in super-G at the 1998 Nagano Games.
