Bacterial Troubles for Cross-Country Star: “Right Now, I’m Doing Terribly Bad”

Didrik Tønseth, a veteran cross-country skier from Norway, has faced a serious setback due to a bacterial infection that has left him in poor health as he prepares for the upcoming season. In a recent interview with NRK, Tønseth disclosed that he contracted the mycoplasma bacteria following a training camp in Torsby, Sweden.

"I suddenly had a high fever and could hardly get out of bed. This bacteria goes straight to the lungs, which is not favorable at all," he explained.

At 33 years old, Tønseth had ambitions of capping off a solid career with impressive performances at the World Championships set to take place in Trondheim this winter, where he lives just a stone's throw from the ski facilities at Granåsen.

However, he candidly admitted, "Right now, I’m doing terribly bad. I’m very far from the World Championships." He expressed awareness that some individuals who have suffered from mycoplasma have had to end their athletic careers, while others recover swiftly. Tønseth is uncertain of what his recovery will look like but recognizes he cannot afford many more periods of illness if he hopes to achieve his World Championship dreams.