Lizeroux to return after 18 month layoff

PARIS (AFP) –

French world championship medallist Julien Lizeroux, pictured in action in 2011, is close to a full comeback after an 18-month layoff following the reconstruction of his left knee in early 2011.

French world championship medallist Julien Lizeroux is close to a full comeback after an 18-month layoff following the reconstruction of his left knee in early 2011.

The 33-year-old who won silver in the slalom and super-combined at the 2009 world championships at Val d’Isere, has endured a nightmare experience which came close to putting his career in jeopardy.

“The 2013 world championships at Schladming (Austria) is what I am aiming for. I will definitely be there and hope to be on skis to defend my chances,” said Lizeroux on Friday.

“The day when I will be ready physically is when I will put the skis back on again. In any case, with my experience, desire and determination, it will not take me many days of training to become performant,” said the man who has picked up three victories and six further podiums on the World Cup circuit.

The Savoie native broke down in tears on the eve of the 2011 world championships when he announced he would have to stop competition for an extended period of time following the injury.

At the time of the operation, he was number three in the world but has now dropped below 60.