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U.S. sailor still critical

LONDON, England -- A top U.S. windsurfer remains in intensive care after being hit by a motorboat propeller six days ago while training for the Athens 2002 regatta.

Kimberley Birkenfeld, 37, a later-comer to sailing, has competed as a Mistral sailor in Miami, Florida, and Myrtle Creek, Oregon, in the past two U.S. Olympic trials. She finished third in 2000 behind three-time Olympian Lanee Butler and Cara Reid.

She suffered a head injury when two bones at the base of her skull were pushed in toward her brain by the motorboat.

"Fortunately neither invaded the brain and apparently she has sustained no permanent injury," Olympic Sailing Committee chairman and team leader for the regatta Fred Hagedorn said.

She also had a severe laceration on her leg.

"The doctors are pleased with some of the signs they saw over the weekend, but the next few days continue to be important to her recovery," Hagedorn said.

"In the meantime Kimberly will remain in the intensive care unit of the hospital. She is beginning to be able to respond to external stimuli, including the voices of her doctors and family.

"The doctors remain optimistic, but cautious, and will continue to monitor Kim's condition over the next few days."