Ski Classics: Anikken Gjerde Alnæs after Severe Injury: – Should Not Be Possible

Ski Classics: Anikken Gjerde Alnæs after Severe Injury: – Should Not Be Possible

Originally published in NRK on January 11, 2025

Ski Classics: Anikken Gjerde Alnæs after Severe Injury: – Should Not Be Possible

In the summer, Anikken Gjerde Alnæs crushed her kneecap in a severe accident and thought she would never compete in skiing again. Yet she has now won races wearing a knee brace.

The Journey Back

Anikken Gjerde Alnæs, 30, was involved in a harrowing incident that left her hospitalized for a week after a collision during a roller ski practice. Initially, her doctors advised her that returning to skiing might not be possible.

Overcoming Adversity

Despite the prognosis, Alnæs has triumphantly returned to the podium in the Ski Classics, claiming victory in several races this season. Her resilience serves as an inspiration, showcasing what determination can achieve even in adversity.

Achievements and Goals

Currently, Anikken has won two out of three races this season, taking the lead overall in the Ski Classics standings, an unexpected turnaround from her injury plight. Alnæs expresses that every start line is a victory in itself as she continues her rehabilitation journey, hopeful for a full recovery.

Expert Insights

Simen Østensen, NRK's Ski Classics expert, remarked on the impressive nature of her return, reinforcing the notion that her performance is not just about skiing but about overcoming life's challenges.

This story is not just a comeback in sports but also a testament to the human spirit's strength. Alnæs’s remarkable journey from uncertainty to triumph highlights the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. She exemplifies how one's spirit can turn the unfathomable into achievable goals.