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Soccer Star Wambach Breaks Leg, Will Miss Olympics

Team's hopes for a gold medal in trouble now

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 17, 2008 6:01 PM CDT

(Newser) – The US women's soccer team's hopes for a gold medal in Beijing took a devastating blow yesterday when star Abby Wambach broke her leg in an exhibition match. Wambach, the team's leading scorer, underwent a two-hour surgery today that went "perfectly, beautifully," her mother told the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Wambach, though, will have to be a spectator for the Beijing Games.

“I was the one crying,” said Judy Wambach, whose daughter called her from the ambulance en route to a San Diego hospital. “She said, ‘Mom, don’t cry. This is my job. These things happen.’ And I’m telling her think positive (that the leg will be OK). She said, ‘Mom, I know my body. I broke my leg.’ But she wasn’t boo-hooing or any of that.”

Brazil's Tania, left, tries to stop Abby Wambach in the first half in Commerce City, Colo. Sunday, July 13, 2008. The US defeated Brazil 1-0, but Wambach broke her leg.
Brazil's Tania, left, tries to stop Abby Wambach in the first half in Commerce City, Colo. Sunday, July 13, 2008. The US defeated Brazil 1-0, but Wambach broke her leg.   (AP Photo/Will Powers)
United States' Abby Wambach celebrates a goal against England in this September file photo.
United States' Abby Wambach celebrates a goal against England in this September file photo.   (AP Photo)
United States' Abby Wambach slaps high-fives with teammate Kristine Lilly after scoring against England in this September file photo.
United States' Abby Wambach slaps high-fives with teammate Kristine Lilly after scoring against England in this September file photo.   (AP Photo)
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