Kreitzburg returns to World Cup Circuit

November 16, 2009  

US Bobsled Veteran Brock Kreitzburg records Top 10 finish in competitive return to World Cup Circuit 

–      Push athlete embarking on comeback of his career, having undergone major reconstructive hip surgery just one year ago –

Park City, Utah – At the opening World Cup event in Park City over the weekend, US bobsled veteran Brock Kreitzburg helped his team to an eighth place finish in the four-man event – a remarkable accomplishment given one year ago, Kreitzburg was in a hospital bed, about to undergo major reconstructive surgery and facing the all-too-real possibility of never competing again.

"It's miraculous that he was able to come back from the various surgeries that he's had," said Darrin Steele, the CEO of the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation. "That's a testament to his believing in his own ability and hard work and staying after it." 

In November 2008, after being unable to balance on his left leg for more than 5 seconds, the 2006 Olympian and 2007 World Cup Champion underwent major reconstructive surgery on his left hip. Brock’s surgeon would have to break his pelvis in five places, rotate his hip and secure screw it back in to correct the chronic injury which has plagued the athlete for years. 

The surgery was a success, but since no other elite athlete in the US had undergone this procedure, the recovery process was rather unknown.

Brock embarked on the most intense journey of his life and his efforts were rewarded six weeks ago, when the push athlete was named to the US Bobsled team for the sixth consecutive year.

“Brock was probably the biggest surprise through this year’s selection process,” comments Darrin Steele. “We all knew it was possible for him to come back, but we also knew he was a long shot. This was the first step toward making the Olympic team and we are excited to see him in the mix for what will be a very competitive Olympic selection." 

The US Bobsled and Skeleton Federation will announce the members of the US Olympic Team on January 13

In the meantime, Kreitzburg will travel to Lake Placid to compete in the second bobsled World Cup event with the USA III sled on November 21 and 22, 2009.