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After cancer diagnosis: Hintermann's ambitious goal

Four weeks ago, speed specialist Niels Hintermann announced that he had been diagnosed with lymphoma. Now he is speaking for the first time about the time since his diagnosis.

08 November 2024

From: sn

Ski star Niels Hintermann is actually known for his fearless speed on the slopes. Now he is facing a completely different, much tougher challenge: his battle against lymphoma. The 29-year-old downhill star received the devastating diagnosis four weeks ago - news that hit him like a blow. "I was sitting in the car when my doctor, Walter O. Frey, called and told me that I was suffering from lymphoma. At that moment, my life turned 180 degrees," Hintermann told Blick.ch.

Since then, he has been fighting through his chemotherapy, which is already halfway through, with astonishing optimism. However, he lets it be known that the chemotherapy has left its mark on him: "At first, I just felt tired all the time, like after a long jet lag. But in the last week, it really hit me," says Hintermann. In addition to exhaustion and chills, he was also suffering from a metallic taste in his mouth - a reaction to additional medication that was necessary due to slightly changed blood values.

hat against hair loss

Despite these problems, he remains positive and combative: "My blood values ​​are currently fine. Everything is going according to plan and I'm confident." Even the increasing hair loss can't spoil his mood. "I usually wear a hat anyway and the hair will grow back," he laughs calmly.

Sport also remains an important companion: despite the strenuous therapy, he regularly sits on the ergometer and does light strength training. "Four times a week, that's just a must," says Hintermann, for whom physical fitness is a kind of anchor in the fight against the disease.

His hope of attending the World Cup race in Val Gardena in December gives him additional strength - even though he stresses that this will ultimately depend on how his treatment progresses. For the fans and the entire ski team, Hintermann's commitment is a sign of his tireless determination to persevere.