Illness Stops Tiril Udnes Weng from Home World Championships: "I Can Barely Think About It"

Tiril Udnes Weng will miss the World Championships at home in Trondheim. Mononucleosis means she won't have time to find the necessary form to get selected.

• "I can barely think about it, it’s awful to miss the festive occasion," she told NRK.

The cross-country star also missed a significant part of last season due to illness. She had hoped to reach the Norwegian championships to qualify for the World Championships, but after being sick for four weeks, she realizes she couldn’t have reached the necessary level in time.

Three weeks ago, Tiril received her diagnosis. "I’ve heard it takes a long time. They probably don’t dare to say how long, but I’ve done some Googling," she said.

Tiril Udnes Weng bought an apartment near the trails with her twin sister Lotta to focus on her training for the World Championships. Unfortunately, the illness has dashed her dreams.

Two years ago, she won the overall World Cup. Therefore, she was viewed as a strong contender for medals at the upcoming World Championships scheduled for February-March.