November 28, 2009 (Oulu, Sweden) – Canada’s XC Ski head coach, Inge Braten, was operated on Friday to repair a broken hip in a freak accident while at the World Cup in Kuusamo, Finland. Recovering in a hospital in Oulu, Sweden, now only time will tell whether Braten will be able to return to his coaching duties in time to lead the Canadians to the 2010 Olympic Games in February.

“It is impossible to say how long of a recovery period I will need. It can be one, two, or three months on crutches,” Braten told the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. “One thing is certain: I’m not going to the Olympics on crutches.”

On a more positive note, Cross Country Canada (CCC) spokesman Chris Dornan said Braten is expected to be out six weeks, which could signal a return in time for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. This is an obvious blow to the Canadian team and the athletes, who speak highly of Braten’s support and coaching. Top sprinter Chandra Crawford and Canadian Team Leader Dave Wood are quoted here.

We join ski communities around the world wishing Braten a full and speedy recovery.