LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (AP) — U.S. Olympic doubles luge racer Christian Niccum will need microsurgery to repair a disc in his lower back.
USA Luge said Friday that Niccum is trying to schedule surgery for sometime in the next two weeks. Niccum has been advised that the procedure comes with an eight-month recovery period.
If that prognosis holds up, Niccum could be ready when American sliders begin on-ice training for the 2011-12 season.
Niccum and first-year partner Jayson Terdiman raced to a World Cup bronze medal this season in Winterberg, Germany. It was Niccum’s first World Cup medal since he and former partner Matt McClain claimed one in December 1998.
The 12-year span between podium finishes for Niccum was an International Luge Federation record.
