Moa Lundgren's Terrifying Roller Ski Accident: A Race Against Recovery

Originally published in Eurosport on September 02, 2024

Moa Lundgren, the Swedish cross-country skier, faced a frightening ordeal earlier this year when she crashed while roller skiing at speeds exceeding 50 kilometers per hour. The repercussions of that incident have significantly altered her day-to-day life.

In an interview with Expressen, Lundgren recounted the fateful moment that unfolded after a training session in Trondheim. Opting for an alternate return route to the ski arena, she unexpectedly encountered a slippery downhill slope with a steep ten percent incline. While other paths were dry, this particular route sent her careening downhill, resulting in a crash.

At just 26 years old, Lundgren fell head-first but was fortunate to escape with no visible injuries. However, her primary concern in the aftermath was the possibility of being seen by others at the scene.

"I didn't break anything, and there was no bleeding. I just wanted to leave the scene," Lundgren shared.

Later that day, she attempted to compete in the sprint at Toppidrettsveka but had to withdraw due to symptoms of a concussion.

"It felt like there was a pounding in my head. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the noise and brightness while changing. The following day, I was only awake for about five hours. I can't recall being awake for so little time in one day. Simple tasks like driving, using my phone, or even watching TV felt impossible. It's as if there's too much going on in my head, leaving no space to think. You just find yourself lying in a dark room," she explained.

Lundgren emphasized that she's not rushing back into her training routine, especially since she is currently not a part of the national team. She is taking a measured approach to her recovery, focusing on her well-being day by day without the pressure to resume training ahead of schedule.