Scott Kneller

Not exactly were I wanted to be, but at the moment I’m in Innsbruck hospital feeling a little sorry for myself as I nurse my broken collarbone and sore head. There could be worse hospitals to be in though, It would seem I have been lucky and I have been put in what appears to be the penthouse of Innsbruck Hospital.

Qualifications went really well in St Johan for the third world cup of the season. I started 42nd and came down in 16th place. I was continually shuffled back as late runners persisted to post fast times and I ended the night in 23rd, still a great result.

The track was tough to say the least. The entire course had been injected and it felt like skiing on an ice skating rink. It was steep and ran very fast in between features.

Finals day started out well. I had some help from Sep who works for Toko to prepare my skis. I took a training run with Tommy Elliason from Sweeden and Davey Barr from Canada to get the feel of negotiating the track with skiers around me. I lapped around for a second run with both the boys. I pulled out and made the first turn leading them both. From all accounts Davey and I were fighting for position the entire way down. On the first right footer on the flat I loaded the ski up and was slung off the jump in the backseat. That’s the last thing I recall before I awoke about 15minutes later in the chopper being airlifted to St Johan hospital.

I slowly began recalling events as my shoulder and head were scanned. I was told my collarbone was broken and I had bleeding on my brain. I needed to be transported to Innsbruck for the possibility of neural surgery if the bleeding persisted. It was a very scary couple of hours to Innsbruck. Apon arrival though the specialist didn’t seem too concerned at all, however they would keep me overnight for observation and rescans in the morning.

I’m a waiting the results of the scans at the moment but the nurse has informed me that they are fine. The collarbone isn’t that bad either. I am yet to see the x-rays but through broken English it is just a crack, no dislodgement so should be a speedy recovery.

I’m in Innsbruck for the next week recovering, and looking at the point lists for the next two races. These next two races conclude the qualifying period, I’m sitting in a good position at the moment especially finishing 25th last night. Just have to wait and see if I have done enough. It’s a tough position to be in, I’ve trained so hard this past season and now I can’t to a thing to change the outcome, I just have to wait and hope for the best.