Norwegian Skier Helene Marie Fossesholm Faces Injury Setback

Helene Marie Fossesholm, a 23-year-old Norwegian skier once heralded as the successor to Therese Johaug, is grappling with another significant challenge in her athletic career. After a disappointing performance at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she ultimately decided to cut her season short, the road to recovery and success seems daunting.

During the 2022-23 season, Fossesholm participated in six World Cup events, achieving her best result with a ninth-place finish in the 10-kilometer race in Lillehammer. Her last appearance on the World Cup circuit was on January 27, 2023.

In the fall of 2023, Fossesholm opened up on Instagram about not feeling like herself, both physically and mentally, leaving her future in competition uncertain as she battled exhaustion and the effects of overtraining. "There is light at the end of the tunnel; it’s just a bit far, but I won’t give up!" she wrote, expressing her resolve to return.

However, tragedy struck last Saturday when Fossesholm suffered a painful injury while playing football during a sponsor event. Reports from Norwegian media revealed that a tackle led to a traumatic moment for the athlete. Describing the incident, she recounted, "I screamed first. Because when it happened, it was extremely painful. Then I looked at my knee, and everything was out of place. The kneecap wasn't where it was supposed to be—it was a bit lower and on the wrong side. At that moment, I thought, 'Oh God.'"

Fossesholm clarified that participation in the game was her choice, stemming from her love for football, and she considers the incident unfortunate, expressing uncertainty about the specifics of what occurred.

Following the injury, adrenaline masked some of the immediate pain, allowing her to be transported to Oslo for necessary treatment. Prior to receiving X-rays, her kneecap was relocated, an experience she described as particularly excruciating. "I turned pale. Then I had to ask for a bag to vomit into. I didn’t vomit, but I really wanted to. Because THAT HURT. I don’t think I’ve ever had worse pain before," she admitted.

Now, she awaits further evaluations. Thankfully, initial X-rays suggested she sustained no severe damage, although she must wait for the swelling to subside before undergoing an MRI. Currently, Fossesholm navigates her recovery with the aid of crutches.

Reflecting on her recent experiences, she acknowledged the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. "I have learned to avoid falling into a negative spiral. This will be over in an instant compared to the issues I've been battling for the past few years," she concluded, exhibiting her determination to overcome this latest hurdle in her athletic journey.