The Norwegian biathlon talent made her World Cup debut just before Christmas. But in January, everything came to an abrupt halt. Now her career is on pause for an indefinite period.

“I was scared,” says the 25-year-old biathlon talent from Geilo.

Åsne Skrede had been knocking on the door of the World Cup, and after finishing second at the season opener in Geilo, she earned her chance at the highest level in December. But after two World Cup rounds, her season came to a sudden stop. Her career is now on hold indefinitely.

On January 20, Skrede had to undergo emergency back surgery. The biathlon talent shared the news herself on social media.

“I had to have acute back surgery after a severe loss of strength in my left leg, caused by a herniated disc,” Skrede says.

“I have been scared, and then very disappointed that the season took this U-turn, but grateful to be in good hands,” she continues.

Out for an indefinite period

The biathlon talent has now started rehabilitation, but Skrede is unsure when she can return to regular training and eventually to competition.

“I’m nervous about the road ahead, but rehab is at least well underway,” she says.

Skrede is trying to stay positive.

“I continue to hope that it’s in the uphill sections that things start going upward, and I appreciate other good things in life, even though it’s not biathlon right now.”

Biathlon talent

Åsne Skrede’s most significant international achievements so far include relay gold and bronze in the pursuit at the 2021 European Championships, as well as bronze in the mixed relay at the 2020 European Championships.

The athlete from Geilo has also won two silver medals and one bronze at the 2020 Junior World Championships, along with three golds and two silvers at the Norwegian Junior Championships.

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