Norwegian Ski Star Recovers from Surgery Faster than Expected – Returns to Competition Sooner

Norwegian sprint star Kristine Stavås Skistad, 25, is set to return to the World Cup in cross-country skiing this weekend in Lillehammer after undergoing abdominal surgery earlier in November. According to her coach, Lage Sofienlund, she has recovered from the operation quicker than anticipated and is ready for competition.

"Her readiness to compete is already a victory in itself," Sofienlund told NRK.

Skistad aims to compete in Saturday's freestyle sprint events, although it is noted that she may not yet be in top condition.

"Kristine's fitness is far from her best after such a recovery period, but she is certainly determined, and I believe she can put in a strong performance," her coach commented.

Last season, Skistad finished second in the women's sprint cup, and the Lillehammer competition will also feature other Norwegian stars who were absent in Ruka, including Didrik Tönseth and Anne Kjersti Kalvå. The competitions will kick off on Friday with a 10-kilometer interval start race using the freestyle technique, followed by a mixed event on Sunday.