"Oreiller is the man who inspired a lot of kids in Val d'Isere to try to become ski champions in the post-war period, " said Perret, author of a book about one of Val d'Isere's most famous events.

CNN: Val d'Isere: The hidden home of skiing's 'madmen'

As hard as she'll try to rehab in time forSochi, ski racing at 80 miles per hour is hard enough with two healthy knees.

WSJ: U.S. Ski Team Pins Hopes for Sochi on Science