Sondre Ringen's Road to Recovery After a Devastating Crash

Sondre Ringen's Road to Recovery After a Devastating Crash

Norwegian ski jumper Sondre Ringen suffered life-altering injuries after a horrific fall in December 2023, marking the beginning of a grim chapter in his life.

Just three days post-Christmas, Ringen's fate took a dramatic turn when he crashed during the Continental Cup in Engelberg, Switzerland. While attempting his jump, he lost control and struck his head upon landing at an impressive 113.5 meters, reportedly losing consciousness for a brief period.

Following the incident, initial medical evaluations found him with visible facial injuries, a severe concussion, and a contusion to his hip, prompting an immediate transfer to the hospital for further treatment.

Nearly Six Months Bedridden

However, the aftermath unveiled more severe complications than anyone had anticipated. In a poignant interview with NRK, Ringen reflected on his experience, stating, "I was not aware of how serious it actually was." He disclosed that he endured three separate brain hemorrhages, signaling the extent of the trauma he faced. Remarkably, Ringen has no recollection of the incident and regained consciousness in the hospital the following day. Initially thinking he had escaped lightly, he gradually recognized the gravity of his condition over the ensuing months.

"It was sad and boring," Ringen lamented, recalling how he struggled to walk without suffering from debilitating headaches for months. He described his situation as akin to waking up feeling intoxicated, with a constant pulsing pain in his head. "The problem with head injuries is that there is nothing you can do to alleviate them."

A Glimmer of Hope for a Comeback

Despite these overwhelming challenges, Ringen remains steadfast in his determination to return to the sport he loves. He aims to reassess his competitive status come October, looking to make a comeback to ski jumping. Having spent months inactive, he recognizes the changes in his physical condition since December and knows that significant training lies ahead to reclaim his former prowess. He asserts his commitment to the sport with positivity, affirming, "I will jump again, and then we will see if I can continue my career."