Nordic Combined: Jarl Magnus Riiber has Experienced Blood in Stool for Weeks

Nordic Combined: Jarl Magnus Riiber has Experienced Blood in Stool for Weeks

Originally published in NRK on November 12, 2024

Nordic Combined: Jarl Magnus Riiber has Experienced Blood in Stool for Weeks

Jarl Magnus Riiber, renowned for his excellence in Nordic combined, has opened up about his health challenges, stating he has been experiencing blood in his stool for the past month. The issue started after a seemingly straightforward wisdom tooth extraction that left him with a subsequent stomach virus.

Riiber expressed his shock over the alarming symptoms, saying, "It’s not pleasant to see that it’s blood-red in the toilet. It's quite strange that they haven't figured it out yet."

As the reigning world champion from the 2023 Championships in Planica, Riiber is hoping to make a strong return at the upcoming World Championships in Trondheim, scheduled for February. However, he admits that his health issues have hindered his training.

Despite feeling ready for the competitive events ahead, he emphasized that it has been a challenging road back to health following his dental surgery and subsequent viral infection, which led to prolonged discomfort and disrupted his training.

Ongoing Medical Oversight

Norway's Nordic combined head coach, Ivar Stuan, assured that Riiber is receiving top-notch medical attention, stating, "He has unique health needs which we must consider to ensure he is fit for competition."

The national team doctor, Anders Heen, confirmed that Riiber is currently undergoing further examinations to determine the cause of his gastrointestinal issues. As uncertainty looms over his health, Riiber and his team remain hopeful for improved conditions allowing a return to peak performance in the near future.

Outlook

With the World Championships just around the corner, Jarl Magnus Riiber's health remains under careful observation as he prepares to return to competitive skiing in Nordic combined events. The support from medical personnel and his team will be crucial as he aims to overcome these recent setbacks and again compete for gold on the world stage.