Only days before the Olympic Games get underway in Vancouver, injuries are even more detrimental to athletes and nations. Medal hopes, and even the hopes of participation can be erased in a second.
From Canada, NHL star Ryan Getzlaf was recently seen in a walking cast in Anaheim. Philadelphia Flyers center Jeff Carter has been invited to Vancouver as an emergency replacement in case Getzlaf can't play.
One of the bigger injury stories making its way through the media is the bruised shin of American skier Lindsey Vonn. Vonn, a heavy favorite to win multiple medals at the Vancouver Games bruised her shin at a training session in Austria.
Other countries are feeling similar pressures as the games creep closer. Injuries are especially a concern with the NHL players participating in the games. As well, the weather conditions have many skiers concerned about utlizing the practice facilities at Whistler and Cypress Mountain in the days leading up to the Games. Poor snow conditions increase the chance of catching an edge or hitting a rut during practice runs.
Vonn, who made headlines after completing a photo shoot for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, implied that her "bruise" might actually be a slight shin fracture. If she were to miss the Games, or even participate injured, it would be a huge blow to the United States' medal hopes.
Approaching the Olympics, you have to hope that the best athletes will be able to compete. That is what the Olympics are about, highlighting the world's top athletes and allowing them to compete for Gold.
Let the games begin.
Follow Instant Replay on Twitter
No comments:
Post a Comment