Olympic champion Cologna to have ankle surgery

DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) Olympic champion Dario Cologna will miss the start of the cross-country skiing season after injuring his right ankle in training.

Switzerland's ski federation says Cologna will miss up to two months' racing after he has surgery on Friday to repair a ligament torn while running.

Cologna says in a statement that "this injury hurts not only physically but also mentally."

Cologna, the Olympic gold medalist in 15-kilometer freestyle, says he expects to be fully fit for the Sochi Winter Games in February.

The 27-year-old Swiss is a three-time overall World Cup champion.