Riesch finally fulfills early promise

Riesch finally fulfills early promise

Maria Riesch, labeled a future World Cup winner as a teenager, finally fulfilled the promise on Saturday, two knee operations and years of frustratiLENZERHEIDE, Switzerland, March 19 (Reuters) - Maria Riesch, labeled a future World Cup winner as a teenager, finally fulfilled the promise on Saturday, two knee operations and years of frustration later.

The 26-year-old German won Alpine skiing's biggest prize, topping the overall standings after bad weather forced the cancellation of the final race of the season.

Few believed it would take her so long when, back in 2004, she won three races in quick succession to finish third in the overall standings for the season.

She had already shone at junior level and it seemed only a matter of time before she followed in the ski tracks of compatriots Katja Seizinger and Rosi Mittermaier.

Instead, Riesch suffered two anterior cruciate ligament injuries the following year, then struggled during the long recovery process.

By the time she found her top form again, American Lindsey Vonn had appeared on the scene to stand in her way.

"After two anterior cruciate ligaments in the same year, it was a hard fight to come back and especially to the top," Riesch told reporters after Saturday's title win.

"The second year was really tough. It was hard to accept that I was not one of the top racers any more, I really had to fight.

"After you have been injured, you are always a little bit scared when you have to face tough conditions."

After finishing 43rd in 2005 and 69th the following year in the overall cup standings, Riesch slowly but surely refound her form.

She came third in 2008 but then had to settle for second place behind her rival and friend Vonn in the following two years.

Although she won slalom titles at the 2009 world championships and the 2010 Olympics, it was the overall World Cup -- considered skiing's top prize because it is decided over the whole season and involves all the disciplines -- that she really coveted.

Consistent over all disciplines, Riesch dominated this season only for her nerves to fail her as she squandered a 200-point lead and Vonn went top following Wednesday's downhill.

Riesch regained the top spot when she finished ahead of the American in Friday's slalom and the weather did the rest.

"I knew this was my biggest chance and it was a big challenge for me psychologically," said Riesch.

"My plan was to try and keep up with Lindsey in the speed events and take points off her in the technical ones. Apart from one bad weekend, my season was nearly perfect."

on later.