During a training session in Beitostoelen, Norway, Josef Wenzl collided with a young Norwegian biathlete on a downhill. According to German head coach Jochen Behle, Josef was not responsible for the accident. The biathlete apparently cut into the trail without looking to his side.
Initial examinations in Norway indicated no broken bones. Later in Munich, further inspection revealed several torn ligaments in Josef’s right shoulder. “With this kind of injury a surgery is absolutely necessary,†said DSV (the German Ski Federation) team doctor Dr. Bernd Wolfarth. Next Tuesday Josef will undergo shoulder surgery at the Sana-Klinik in Munich.
“The shoulder has to be kept still for a while. However, Josef will be allowed to start with alternative training methods in which he minimally uses his right arm,†Dr. Wolfarth commented. “Maximal resistance on the shoulder will likely not be possible until spring,†Wolfarth added.
“Of course I am disappointed but I have to do the best I can in this situation,†said Wenzl. “The only positive thing is that there are no major ski events this season.â€
Source: DSV (www.ski-online.de)
