Smigun to return to skiing

Smigun-Vahi said she is not certain she can do it, but that she sees no point in making an effort for a lower goal than an Olympic medal, the online edition of the dailyOhtuleht reports.

More serious work will start in May and last through the summer, the 32-year-old said. "I'll wait and see at the end of summer what my body and spirit tell me -- whether I'm ready and able to get myself back in top form," Smigun said. "The usual running tests in summer must show how good a form I can achieve. It has to be clear by September whether I'll continue preparation with the aim of taking a medal at the Vancouver Olympic Games."

Smigun added that even if she likes skiing very much she will not start training hard just for the pleasure of it but with a definite goal.

"I wouldn't go to Vancouver with the aim of placing tenth," she said. "If my performance there were so poor I'd cry!"

Smigun gave birth to a daughter last year.