It was a little mistake which changed all summer plans Maria Ramberger might have had in mind when the Austrian national team member tore the collateral ligament in her left knee by overshooting a kicker while snowboarding in the USA after the World Cup season had wrapped up.

The crash actually wasn't that bad but the ligament ripped fairly low which made surgery mandatory.

Now, about two months after, the two-time Olympian from Klosterneuburg took some time and talked about her rehab so far.

FISSnowboard.com: Maria, how have the first post-surgery days been?

Maria Ramberger: Only the first days after the surgery were pretty painful. Then it was OK as long as I took it easy.

No problems at all?

It actually was annoying sleep-wise. I'm normally a stomach sleeper and not used to sleep on my back, especially not with an elevated leg.

It took some time until I was able to sleep through the night again. In addition, I got some back problems, too. And I guess the jetlag didn't help neither as it was like coming home form the USA straight to surgery.

Therefore, I guess my knee wasn't the biggest problem I had after my surgery.

How did the surgery touch you mentally?

Well, it's been boring for sure after it. You cannot do that much except of physio, electro therapy, work with the splint, put on some quark etc.

It was hard for me as I normally stay in the States until the very last snow has gone and go for some surfing straight after in May.

I like being active and stay outside. But this time I was locked in and couldn't even go for a run in the forrest. That was definitely something new for me.

How was the healing process until now?

Now, almost two months post-surgery, everything looks good. I guess that 80% of all movements are working out fine.

You don't really notice that I'm coming from a surgery as I don't have to wear the splint anymore. You wouldn't notice anything if you would see me walking by.

The only thing is that my left leg doesn't bend that well and is a little bit weaker right now but I'm positive that it will be OK soon. Everything should be fine for the fall training sessions on the glacier!

So, what are you up to in the next couple of weeks?

I will be careful with what I'm doing. I guess the ligament wouldn't stand another accident yet.

Therefore I have to wear the splint when I do some more 'dangerous' sports such as going for some mountain biking or skateboarding.

But after four to six months, the ligament should be as it was before. Until then I will train hard.

What about surfing?

You never know, maybe I can go for some surfing for a week or so yet again. Maybe in August – and of course wearing a splint. I feel confident.

Source: fis-ski.com