Speed queen Goetschl opens downhill season

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2007

LAKE LOUISE, Canada (AFP) — World Cup speed queen Renate Goetschl is used to pointing her skies straight ahead and charging down the slope with reckless abandon.

But after two off-season knee surgeries, the reigning Alpine Ski World Cup downhill champion isn't about to do anything haste.

"I have only been on skis for 25 days," said Goetschl, who opens her 2007-08 season in a downhill here Saturday.

"I am not one of the favourites here. The other girls are."

Hard to believe Goetschl isn't favoured in the downhill considering the success the 32-year-old Austrian has had in the past in the Canadian Rockies.

She has five career victories in Lake Louise and has reached the podium a staggering 12 times.

Those wins included a spectacular...