Biathlon : Gro Randby out for two months
Just as she was preparing to reach a new milestone in her career, Norwegian biathlete Gro Randby was struck by an unexpected twist of fate. A week after her eyelids began to swell, the 23-year-old biathlete discovered that she had contracted kissing disease – transmitted by the triatomine bug – a diagnosis that has thrown her plans for the season into turmoil.
It was unreal,” the Norwegian told NRK. I couldn’t understand how it could happen to me now. After nine World Cup races last season, the young Norwegian seemed ready to make a lasting impression at the highest level. But the virus forced her to interrupt her training for two months, leaving her to follow her team-mates’ preparation from the stands.
It all started at the beginning of September: slightly swollen eyes, nothing to be alarmed about. But when the symptoms persisted, her boyfriend, Martin Uldal, himself a former sufferer of the disease, encouraged her to take a test. The result: positive. Everything collapsed,” says the biathlete. I felt like all my work, all my dreams and all my opportunities were disappearing.
During this forced break, the Scandinavian found solace in other passions. Music, chess, studying. .. “ I was finally able to record my own music in the studio”, she smiles, and even spend more time with those around her.
Today, Gro Randby has started training again, with just one priority: to recover fully before returning to the slopes. I still don’t know when I’ll be able to do my first ski race this season,” she confides. Maybe after Christmas, maybe a bit earlier… but I don’t dare get my hopes up.
The start of the season has been compromised, and participation in the Olympic Games in Milan/Cortina seems uncertain. But Gro Randby refuses to close the door completely: “It seems difficult, but who knows? If everything goes well, all the better.
For Marte Olsbu Roeiseland, the period of enforced rest can even be an asset: “It’s a golden opportunity to work on her shooting and improve her percentage of success. She’ll be able to come back with a bang.
Read also
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