Leevi Mutru Retires at 28 After Health Struggles Linked to Weight Loss

Leevi Mutru, a talented Nordic combined athlete from Finland, has announced his retirement at the age of 28, citing health complications stemming from his extreme weight loss efforts. In February 2023, Mutru faced myocarditis, which ultimately sidelined him from competing in the World Championships held in Planica. This episode marked the second serious health crisis of his career, following a similar condition that disrupted his aspirations for the Beijing Olympics just a year prior.

Mutru has pointed to rigorous weight management practices as a primary contributor to his deteriorating health. Initially weighing 76kg, which was deemed heavy for a ski jumper, he embarked on a strict regimen alongside coaches and nutritionists to reduce his weight to 70kg over the years. While his intentions were to improve his ski jumping performance, this approach took a severe toll on his body, resulting in a breakdown of his nervous system and digestive issues by autumn 2018.

Interestingly, Mutru found that his best performances came after he abandoned the relentless pursuit of weight loss. Notably, he secured a 10th place finish at the 2019 World Championships in Seefeld, a moment that highlighted the potential link between his well-being and his competitive success. As he reflects on his career, he acknowledges the connection between his weight loss strategies and his ongoing health challenges, sharing his sentiment of never having fully recovered from the ordeal.

Currently, Mutru is focusing on his studies in mathematics at the University of Jyväskylä. Although he has stepped away from international competitive skiing, he remains open to participating in national events, using the motivation of maintaining a competitive weight to support his daily fitness routine.