Hanna Öberg Shares Progress on Knee Injury Ahead of World Cup Season

Hanna Öberg Shares Progress on Knee Injury

As the countdown to the new World Cup season begins, Hanna Öberg is still grappling with lingering injury concerns.

The Swedish biathlete faces challenges with her knee as the elite of the sport prepare for the season opener in Kontiolahti, Finland, on November 30. Despite her ongoing knee difficulties last season, which resulted in a 12th place finish in the overall World Cup standings, Öberg remains hopeful. In a recent interview with Expressen, she candidly shared that she is not yet pain-free.

"I haven’t fully regained my running capacity. This summer, I could run, but my longest sessions were limited to just two hours. I really wanted to train more if things had been better," Öberg said. She emphasizes a gradual approach to recovery, taking it "step by step" as a three-time biathlon world champion.

Focusing on Technique

Given her knee problems, Öberg is shifting her focus to improving her running technique. She commented, "It’s crucial to run with the correct technique because improper form increases the risk of putting more stress on the injury."

Despite these hurdles, Öberg, who was the second-best Swedish skier last season—trailing only her sister Elvira—looks forward to the upcoming World Cups with a positive outlook. She feels encouraged about her knee's condition compared to earlier in the year and noted that a brief illness-related break during her August preseason did not impede her preparations for the season.