From Blood Clot to World Cup – Marit Öygard's Struggle

Marit Öygard has taken a long and arduous path to reach the World Cup. Five years ago, the 25-year-old experienced a blood clot, which could have ended her career before it even began. Today, she debuted in the World Cup, finishing 84th in the Hochfilzen sprint over 7.5 km.

It was Öygard's mother, a doctor, who encouraged her to get her left leg – which had been painful for several weeks – checked. On Christmas Day in 2019, she was rushed in for emergency treatment and diagnosed with a blood clot.

"Getting a blood clot is not exactly a dream for a top athlete, so I try to focus on that as little as possible because there is nothing to do about it. That was my fate, and I have to learn to live with it," Öygard told NRK.

Öygard has residual effects from the blood clot and experiences more lactic acid buildup in her left leg compared to her right.

Replacing Tandrevold, who is suffering from heart issues.

"This will always be the case, and I have to learn to cope with it," says Öygard.

Her career has progressed rapidly over the last few weeks. Just two weeks ago, Öygard performed well in the Norway Cup, earning her a spot in the IBU Cup in Geilo. After Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold's withdrawal due to heart problems, she received an unexpected place in the Hochfilzen World Cup.

"I was a bit shocked just to compete in the IBU Cup, and it became a double shock to be able to compete here," Öygard said.