July 16, 2013 (Sweden) – Swedish National Ski Team member Daniel Richardsson is asking for peace for the family after Sunday’s tragic accident in which a person was killed and Richardsson himself suffered ligament damage in his knee. National team physician Per “Pliggen” Anderson has been in contact with the Swedish star and the responsible physician at Hudiksvall Hospital where Richardsson received treatment on Sunday afternoon.

Daniel Richardsson (SWE) in Gaellivare © Nordic Focus

“The physical status is that Richardsson sustained ligament damage in the knee where the forecast for the future function is not of a serious nature. We need to do further studies to address in detail whether to continue treatment prognosis,” says Per Andersson.

Since the news came out that the Vancouver 2010 Olympic gold medalist in the relay was involved in the accident, the media pressure has been hard on Richardsson and his family, the Gävleborg County Council press office and the national team’s management.

The Swedish National team doctor would like to offer a greeting from Richardsson and request that he and his family may be left alone during the terrible situation they are in.

“We hope that the media will respect the request,” says Per Andersson supported by Swedish Ski Association CEO, John Sares.

Team management has informed Richardsson’s teammates and the staff at the Swedish Ski Association’s office about what happened. National team coach Richard Griffin commented, “The most important thing now is that Daniel is healthy. Right now sport is of secondary importance. I would once again appeal for calm surrounding Daniel and his family.”

“We think of Daniel and his family and will support them as much as possible in the sad situation they are in,” added Sares.
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