Helene Marie Fossesholm Faces Injury But Aims for Season Opener

Norwegian cross-country skier Helene Marie Fossesholm recently faced a serious injury after her kneecap dislocated during a football match. This unfortunate incident, which occurred at a sponsor event last weekend, presents a worst-case scenario that could leave her sidelined for up to six months.

In an interview with SVT Sport, the 23-year-old athlete candidly shared her fears, saying, "If I think about the possibility of surgery, I get depressed - then I know it will take six months."

Despite the circumstances, Fossesholm remains optimistic. "It feels good considering the situation," she said while showing off her injured knee, currently stabilized with a specialized brace and treated with an ice pack to manage swelling.

On the day of the incident, Fossesholm was enjoying her time playing football, an activity she loves. "I've always enjoyed staying active with various activities. I know that football gives me a lot of energy," she explained. However, while reaching for the ball, she twisted her knee and hit the ground, leading to the dislocation.

"When the kneecap went back into place, I almost fainted," she recounted, vividly describing the painful moment. After undergoing an MRI on Tuesday, doctors diagnosed her with a stretched ligament in her knee. While the prognosis for healing looks promising, a decision regarding surgery will be made in six weeks.

Determined to stay positive throughout her recovery, Fossesholm has committed to doing her exercises, stating, "I decided early to stay positive and do my exercises. That makes it easier to handle everything."

If her recovery progresses smoothly, she is hopeful about participating in the Norwegian opener in Beitostølen at the end of November. “I will do everything I can and hope to compete before the New Year,” she said with resolve.

Fossesholm made a significant breakthrough during the 2020-2021 season, where she helped lead Norway to a World Championship gold in the relay. However, her performance has since encountered challenges. In November 2023, she announced a hiatus from competition, mentioning that her joy in the sport had diminished. Although she returned to competition in February this year, she now finds herself outside the national team, training under her father's guidance.

This summer, she was showing signs of improvement in her form, but then the unfortunate football accident struck. "Yes, it was a bad time, but now I know that I can come back if my knee gets better," she remarked.

Her ultimate motivation lies in the upcoming home World Championship in Trondheim. "No, absolutely, that is my main motivation," Fossesholm emphasized firmly, highlighting her determination to recover and compete.