Viktor Thorn retires from elite skiing
Apr 14, 2021·Cross-Country
The 24 year-old Swede has announced to end his young career due to long term back problems which he struggled with for the past years. Viktor, who started his World Cup career with the full participation of the Tour de Ski 2016/17, has ever since competed in 57 World Cup races, was part of the Swedish Olympic team in PyeongChang in 2018 and started on three races at the Nordic World Ski Championships in Seefeld 2019.
“I have struggled with back problems for almost 5 years and have come to the stage that I feel that it is no longer worth spending all the time it takes to be able to be in the absolute elite level, when the last percent to be able to perform at the level I want to be hindered by my back. The motivation to train as hard as its required and the drive to develop have slowly disappeared as my back has worked against me. I feel ready to take on new challenges in life. A tough decision as the skis have been a big part of my life for so long, this decision still feels right. Skiing has and will always be a big part of my life and I am grateful for everything that this sport has given me and I will always be a skier but just not at the elite level anymore.”
The FIS Cross-Country family wishes you the best of health and a full recovery from your troubled back. All the best for wherever your new focus in life may lead you!
