Mowinckel's nightmare: “Appreciate things more now”

638 days and two cruciate ligament tears later, Ragnhild Mowinckel returned to the Ski World Cup in Courchevel in December. In 20th place, the two-time Olympic medalist immediately showed off her class. However, she hasn't been able to build on her old strength (yet) - but she didn't expect that from herself either. “Overall, the comeback went perfectly,” the Norwegian sums up to VG, but adds that she would like everything to go faster. “I no longer feel as well as I did before the injuries. “But it’s about trusting my knee and just trying again and again.” She feels that she is making progress.

It is important to give yourself time to build self-confidence, says Mowinckel. She knows she still has a long way to go – both mentally and physically.

Decorated at the Olympics: Ragnhild Mowinckel © APA/afp / MARTIN BERNETTI

The woman from Molde worked her way into the world elite in 2018 with a World Cup victory and two medals at the Olympic Games. After another highly successful season, two injuries followed that put her strength and patience to the test. Countless hours with doctors, physiotherapists and trainers have brought her back to where she belongs: on the slopes.

The thought that the same fate, which she calls “unreal,” could happen to her again, drives her along. “Since I have been injured before, the danger is greater than normal. But the knee is getting stronger and stronger,” claims Mowinckel. Missed the racing circuit “The injuries made me look at life differently. “I realized how lucky I am,” emphasizes the Norwegian. “I’ve been given another chance and I appreciate things more than before.”

She only realized how much Mowinckel missed the World Cup when she got back into the racing in Courchevel. The athletes are a “unique unit” – both within the team and across national borders. “We spend a lot of time together and see how much effort everyone puts in.” We have a lot of respect for each other. Because in the end you are just human, says Mowinckel.

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Mowinckel's nightmare: “Appreciate things more now”

The Ski World Cup enters its hot phase in January. Right in the middle: Ragnhild Mowinckel, who celebrated her comeback this winter after a long period of suffering and is now taking stock.

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