Back Troubles Force Calle Halfvarsson to Ditch His Kids During WC Warm-Up: 'A Strain I Can't Handle Right Now'

Calle Halfvarsson, the 35-year-old Swedish cross-country skiing veteran, is once again battling persistent back issues just days before the start of the World Championships in Trondheim. His condition has forced him to withdraw from a warm-up session at Falun. Halfvarsson explained that his situation is worsened by his life at home; his young children, Casper-Lo (2) and Stella, tend to climb on him frequently, adding extra strain to his already troubled back.

This is not the first time Halfvarsson has had to skip World Cup events due to his back problems. After a 10-kilometer race in Falun, his back pain re-emerged, confirming his fears. Now, while he is set to join his teammates at the team camp in Bruksvallarna for the upcoming World Championships in Trondheim, he has decided to keep his children at bay to better manage his condition.

Halfvarsson’s remarks highlight the delicate balance athletes must maintain between professional obligations and personal life. His situation serves as a reminder of the physical demands of high-level cross-country skiing and the additional challenges that come with managing health issues while pursuing competitive excellence.