Cross-country skier Hedda Østberg Amundsen forced to withdraw due to chest pain: "I felt really dizzy"

On January 19, 2025, during the World Cup weekend in Les Rousses, Hedda Østberg Amundsen experienced a dramatic turn of events as she was forced to abandon the race halfway through the 20 kilometers.

Amundsen suddenly disappeared from the event's leaderboard and, in an interview, shared her distress with NRK, explaining that she felt compelled to stop due to intense chest pain that accompanied her increasing dizziness.

"It’s disappointing to withdraw. I don’t really know what happened. It tightened in my chest and then I felt pretty dizzy. I completely stiffened up. I had to pause and try to regain my breath with Marit Bjørgen’s help. Ultimately, I just had to give up the race," she recounted, visibly emotional.

Marit Bjørgen also voiced her concern, expressing that Amundsen made the right choice in prioritizing her health. Bjørgen noted, "What she felt is frightening. It is an uncomfortable situation that she hasn’t faced before, so I'm glad she was able to stop when needed.'

The race saw unexpected events as Kristine Stavås Skistad, although registered, did not participate after an administrative oversight by the Norwegian Ski Federation, creating confusion about her attendance.

While competitors like Astrid Øyre Slind started strong, it was Frida Karlsson who claimed a dominant victory, showcasing a race where she distanced herself significantly from the others.

"It was an incredibly exciting race, and although I finished fourth, I feel good leading into the World Championships," remarked Slind about her performance amidst the tension of the day.

Overall, the event was a test of resilience for many athletes, setting the stage for further competitions in the upcoming weeks.