Anton Persson Withdraws from World Championships, Ending His Season Early

Anton Persson has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the World Championships and officially end his season after a disappointing performance in the sprint qualifier. The decision follows a challenging period, with Persson competing despite a torn ligament sustained over the summer.

“I don't belong at the World Championships in this condition, so it’s best to go home and address the issues,” he stated candidly.

Originally, Persson aimed to shine at the World Championships in Planica after representing Sweden in the Olympics. However, the injury has significantly threatened those ambitions. Opting for rehabilitation rather than surgery, he had hoped to regain his strength in time for the event.

In the sprint qualifier, he finished in 41st place and could not hide his frustration. “It doesn’t work with the knee issue. Some days feel better, but I struggle to push hard during competitions. I have no business at the World Championships like this, so it's better to go home and undergo surgery.”

Despite entering the season with high hopes, having performed well on roller skis and during pre-season training in November, Persson’s physical condition deteriorated shortly after the competitive season began. He began suffering from compensatory muscle injuries as he attempted to push through the pain.

Reflecting on his situation, he acknowledges that he may have already made his last appearance this season, barring a potential participation in a relay competition if needed. He expressed the difficulty of pouring so much energy and time into training, only to be sidelined and unable to compete effectively.