On Monday came the news that Østberg has been granted a valid health certificate from the Norwegian Ski Association. This means that she can compete in the World Cup later this month for the first time since March last year.
The Gjøvik runner describes the waiting time as a “test of patience”. Helsa has not played on a team in the last two years.
– I had hoped that things would turn around sooner, and that I would get some positive answers. Then I got some answers that were not so positive, and I had to work on myself both physically and mentally to stand in it. At the same time, you have to make the right choices. It has been demanding, says Østberg to NTB.
Honest
She lost large parts of the 2019/20 season and the entire last season because she did not meet the requirements for the ski association’s health certificate. In addition, she suffered two fatigue fractures in her foot last year.
– Have you ever thought that you would not be able to come back?
– Yes, that thought has crossed my mind. I must be that honest. I did not want it to happen, but I thought it might not work.
Østberg was denied start for the first time in November 2019. It was announced at an emotional press conference before the national season opening at Beitostølen. Since then, she has had a long struggle to get her health in order. Among other things, the balance between food intake and exercise had to be improved.
Follow closely
Øystein Andersen is medically responsible for the cross-country national team. He has followed up Østberg closely in recent years, and this will continue to be the case.
– The progress means that it is right to let her start, but it requires that we see that she can tolerate it. We have to follow up well enough, and I will take care of that. Point one is that the load will be fair, Andersen says to NTB.
Øystein Andersen is medically responsible for cross-country skiing in the Norwegian Ski Association. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB
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He thinks it’s nice to see Østberg get paid for the work she has done.
– She deserves credit for that.
Østberg is one of the most deserving cross-country skiers of his generation. She won the Tour de Ski overall in 2019, and five years earlier she took Olympic gold in team sprint with Marit Bjørgen. In the World Cup she has 16 individual victories.
Medal hope?
The competition comeback takes place in the World Cup opening in Ruka, Finland. According to the plan, she will go there one of three races added to the days 26-28. November. Thoughts of a possible medal at the Beijing Olympics seem a bit distant at the moment. The winter games start on February 4.
– It is not quite where my focus has been now. But if things go well in the future, and health continues to be involved, and the Olympics become relevant, then of course that is the goal. But I also know how hard it is. I have done some cross-country skiing before and know how tough it is at the top. I have to take one step at a time, says Østberg.
The national team doctor will not put the list too high. He reminds that it has been a long time since Østberg has skied at a high level, and she has not trained in height as her teammates have done.
– It will be a demanding start to the season, but health comes before performance. We have taken the consequence of that. But I think that when the health is good enough, the shape will also be good enough, says Andersen.
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