IMAGE: Scott Kneller (Blue) leading a race earlier in the season © GEPA pictures/ Daniel Goetzhaber Ski cross athlete Scott Kneller is racing against the clock to recover from injury in time to be fit for the Sochi Olympic Winter Games in 29 days.
The 24-year-old Australian Institute of Sport / NSW Institute of Sport athlete was injured in a training mishap in the Innechin / San Candido World Cup in Italy on December 22.
Kneller arrived back in Australia this week and went straight to the AIS facility in Canberra to fast track his recovery.
Kneller said that his back injury is progressing well and rates his chances of being fully recovered in time for Sochi as very good.
“If you look at me you wouldn’t think there was anything wrong. I’m walking around fine,” Kneller said.
“I would say the chances of being ready for Sochi are pretty good. It sucks for sure but this is the situation I have been dealt and all I can do is give it a go, basically keep my head up and train hard for the next month.
“I want to get back there, I want to compete.”
Kneller praised the level of expertise at his disposal with in the AIS facility.
“I’ve got so much support here, it’s incredible, between doctors, physios, strength and conditioning coaches. They’re the best in the world,” he said
The other factor which will determine Kneller’s Sochi aspirations is his ranking.
He said his raw ranking was 26th in the world, meaning that he is inside the 32 place cut off for ski cross for Sochi, however, he is the first to admit that his fate, in terms of points, is out of his control.
Kneller will obviously miss the final two events to be held before the January 20 Sochi qualification cut off date, but he believes his points buffer between the 26th and 32nd rankings should be enough to enable him to secure a place in the Australian team.
Australian Olympic Team chef de mission, Ian Chesterman, said he hoped Kneller was part of the team for Sochi.
“Scott made the top eight in ski cross at his Olympic debut in 2010 at Vancouver and he has dedicated himself to doing even better in Sochi over the last four years.
“He is a highly valued team member and we all wish him a very speedy recovery and that things work out the way he deserves.”
The 24-year-old Australian Institute of Sport / NSW Institute of Sport athlete was injured in a training mishap in the Innechin / San Candido World Cup in Italy on December 22.
Kneller arrived back in Australia this week and went straight to the AIS facility in Canberra to fast track his recovery.
Kneller said that his back injury is progressing well and rates his chances of being fully recovered in time for Sochi as very good.
“If you look at me you wouldn’t think there was anything wrong. I’m walking around fine,” Kneller said.
“I would say the chances of being ready for Sochi are pretty good. It sucks for sure but this is the situation I have been dealt and all I can do is give it a go, basically keep my head up and train hard for the next month.
“I want to get back there, I want to compete.”
Kneller praised the level of expertise at his disposal with in the AIS facility.
“I’ve got so much support here, it’s incredible, between doctors, physios, strength and conditioning coaches. They’re the best in the world,” he said
The other factor which will determine Kneller’s Sochi aspirations is his ranking.
He said his raw ranking was 26th in the world, meaning that he is inside the 32 place cut off for ski cross for Sochi, however, he is the first to admit that his fate, in terms of points, is out of his control.
Kneller will obviously miss the final two events to be held before the January 20 Sochi qualification cut off date, but he believes his points buffer between the 26th and 32nd rankings should be enough to enable him to secure a place in the Australian team.
Australian Olympic Team chef de mission, Ian Chesterman, said he hoped Kneller was part of the team for Sochi.
“Scott made the top eight in ski cross at his Olympic debut in 2010 at Vancouver and he has dedicated himself to doing even better in Sochi over the last four years.
“He is a highly valued team member and we all wish him a very speedy recovery and that things work out the way he deserves.”
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