Speed Skater Lee Sang-hwa's left knee has been blamed for her woes this season, during which she has struggled to find form.
But her coach Erik Bouwman said in an interview on Monday the chronic problems with her knee are not that serious.
In the interview after Lee placed fifth at the ISU Single Distance Speed Skating Championships last week, Bouwman said Lee was suffering from fatigue. Lack of rest -- compounded by the chronic pain in her knee -- was the reason for Lee's sub-par performances, he said.
Bouwman added that surgery was not needed, and that the skater would soon be back to her best -- just as soon as she gets a decent rest.
