Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

PARIS (AP) — World Cup slalom champion Jean-Baptiste Grange will miss next year's Vancouver Olympics because of a knee injury that will force him to undergo an operation.

Grange ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a World Cup giant slalom last week at Beaver Creek, Colo.

Grange, who has won six World Cup races since his debut, was one of France's best hopes of a medal in Vancouver.

The 25-year-old Frenchman, who underwent scans on Tuesday, said on his Web site he "had no other option and it was the most reasonable choice."

Grange will be rested for several weeks and will have surgery in January.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.