| Birkenfeld
Regresses, Seeks Medical Expertise
By Rich Roberts
For YachtRacing.com
Kimberly Birkenfeld, America's top-ranked
Olympic prospect in the women's Mistral sailboard
class until a violent collision with a New Zealand
coach boat in the pre-Olympics at Athens in 2002,
has suffered a setback in her recovery from severe
injuries.
 This
was learned during last week's U.S. Olympic Trials
for the Star class at Miami, where Birkenfeld lives.
Her boyfriend, Magnus Liljedahl, was crew for Andy
Lovell of New Orleans. They placed second to winners
Paul Cayard and Phil Trinter, who won the sole Olympic
berth.
Birkenfeld wrote her own summary
of the event, followed by this personal
report:
"On another note, unfortunately,
due to regression health status, I have been unable
to leave my apartment to view any of the races,
which are being held just down the road out of the
US Olympic Sailing Center.
"I am currently in search of
the country's top neurologist who specializes in
neck and skull base trauma. As soon as Athens Hygeia
Hospital agrees to forward all my medical records
and I am able to get an appointment with the appropriate
doctor, I am hopeful that I will get an explanation
for this regression. If anyone has high-level contacts
in the medical world, please inform them of my need
to find a qualified neurologist."
While Birkenfeld had been walking
on her own earlier and even boardsailed briefly
one day, despite a balance problem, she recently
has been forced to use a wheelchair.
Responses
may be sent to Birkenfield's Web site: www.kimberly2004.com,
or to 2475 Brickell Ave., Miami, FL 33129. |
