WINTER SPORTS ROUNDUP

Speaking publicly for the first time since the accident in Sweden last week in which she was knocked unconscious, skier Picabo Street said the only lingering effects are a stiff neck and some soft-tissue damage.

“It was a humbling experience,” she said in Beaverton, Ore. “You really feel like you just want to go see your mom.”

But it made her realize she is over her knee injury and ready to compete for the gold medal in Nagano.

“It’s when you really know that you’re back, 100%, and no matter what happens, you’re going to be OK,” said Street, who will leave for Japan on Thursday. “I’m more confident in my body and in how it’s going to hold up.”

Street, 26, returned to competition last month after being sidelined for more than a year after knee surgery.

Street, the silver medalist in the women’s downhill in the 1994 Winter Olympics, will compete in the women’s super-giant slalom Tuesday. The downhill is Feb. 14.

“I’m looking for a gold medal,” she said. “That’s my goal.”

*

Two high-ranking posts have been filled on the International Olympic Committee.

Keba Mbaye, a former World Court justice from Senegal, was appointed by acclamation as an IOC vice president. Mbaye has been a vice president or executive board member for years and is one of Samaranch’s closest advisors.

Switzerland’s Marc Hodler, president of the international ski federation, was appointed by acclamation to the executive board. Hodler also is a longtime member of the IOC’s inner circle.

*

The Associated Press contributed to this story.