Ski racer Ed Drake has operaton and will not race this season

Friday 23 December 2005

Unfortunately Ed Drake, who is sponsored by the Ski Club of Great Britain, will have to take a season off ski racing following an operation on his hip.

During summer training Ed was experiencing some pain in his hip. Following scans and x-rays it was discovered that he had a damaged ligament and surgery was recommended.

The doctor explained that Ed could continue racing this season (if he was able to cope with the pain) and have the surgery at the end of this season, then take 2-3 months to recover. Ed had a huge decision to make, and, after talking to his coaches and Mark Tilston (Performance Director, Snowsport GB) he decided that he could not guarantee being able to race giving 100%. So he opted to have keyhole surgery as soon as possible in order to be fully recovered and then take full advantage of the summer training starting in May, so as to be fully fit for next season. This wasn’t an easy decision for Ed as he was looking forward to his last year as a Junior racer, but the possibility of not achieving his best for 2 seasons at half fitness meant a sacrifice had to be made.

Ed had the surgery on the morning of the 12th December, that same evening, with the aid of crutches, he left the hospital with strict instructions for 4 days of complete rest. On the 3rd day he visited the Olympic Medical Institute in Harrow for an appointment with the doctor and physio. He was told to start partial weight bearing over the weekend followed by some gentle exercises. The following week he again went to the O.M.I. he was told that he had made great progress, his range of movement was improved and after only 10 days started to use the static bike and cross training equipment. With luck Ed could be back on snow within a couple of months.

We wish you a speedy recovery Ed.