Maier's comeback hopes

Hermann Maier in action last season

Ski legend Hermann Maier should regain full fitness, the head of the Austrian Olympic institute has said.

Talking exclusively to Ski Sunday, Maier and his coach Heinrich Bergmuller were hopeful of a successful comeback.

But it is highly unlikely Maier will be fit enough in time to defend his Olympic titles in Salt Lake City.

Maier, 29, suffered serious leg injuries in a motorcycle crash in Austria in August.

Hopefully I can say more in a few weeks about the Winter Olympics

Hermann Maier

At first it was feared the double Olympic champion would have to have his leg amputated.

However, his speed of recovery has amazed doctors and he is now back in fitness training.

Maier is expected to return to the slopes by Christmas and Bergmuller hoped the World Cup champion could even compete in a race this season.

Maier told Ski Sunday: "The accident has changed my life a lot.

"It's very tough for me at the moment to get on with real life because training and the rehabilitation programme takes up a lot of time."

Maier is also refusing to totally rule out the Winter Olympics.

Overwhelming support

He told Hazel Irvine: "I don't know at the moment.

"It's not far away, but at the moment it's too far away for me and hopefully I can say more in a few weeks."

He was interviewed by Irvine in Austria and told her how he was now unable to sleep without painkillers.

Maier also admitted to being shocked at the overwhelming public support he has received.