The comeback sensation entered this past weekend’s doubleheader stronger than ever, with a vastly different starting point compared to her cautious season opener. It could spell trouble for her competitors.

The 30-year-old, who against all odds claimed a victory and a second-place finish in the season opener in Bad Gastein in mid-December, has added even more strengths to her arsenal. Looking stronger than ever.

Following her roller-ski accident in June, where she shattered her right kneecap and also sustained a femur injury, Anikken Gjerde Alnæs was uncertain whether she would be able to compete at all this season.

She’s candid about the challenging road to recovery, both physically and mentally. But in December, she took a chance, donned a race bib, and headed into the Christmas break riding high on her success.

Now, the comeback cannon from Team Engcon has just completed yet another successful weekend. On Saturday, she tackled her first long-distance race of the season, the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, winning the finish sprint, followed by the La Venosta ITT, and rounding out the weekend just outside of the podium in 4th position.

Preparations, for once, have been smooth sailing.

“I went home from Bad Gastein and continued doing exactly what I’d been doing up to that point. It seemed to work brilliantly,” Gjerde Alnæs said at the pre-race press conference ahead of the weekend’s races.

Read more: Kardin and Fleten take top honors at La Venosta ITT Kapron-Melago

Where do you stand now, and have you had to adjust your training plan?

“I’m right on track now, back to training on the same things and in the same way I did last year before the accident. But I still need to continue rehabilitation. I’m still weak, and my range of motion hasn’t improved, but I feel more confident,” she said, adding:

“I don’t think I would have done much differently if I hadn’t been injured, but I’ve trained more on the double-pole machine and roller-ski treadmill than I otherwise would have. So, I think I’m stronger uphill and can sustain pressure for longer.”

Developing New Strengths

Even though training and her early competitions have exceeded expectations, Gjerde Alnæs admits she’s become more cautious on downhills, through turns, and in technical terrain since the accident—areas she now needs to work on.

“I’ve always loved downhills, high speeds, and turns, so it’s something I’m working on constantly and trying to improve,” said Gjerde Alnæs, who has prioritized more on-snow training since the season opener.

“I’ve spent more time skiing. That’s what I need now: I need to ski, and I need to ski downhill.”

Although she has lost some of her daring downhill skills and is honest about still battling fears she needs to overcome, she sees that she’s grown stronger in other ways.

“I’ve become tougher. I’ve gotten better at digging deep for extended periods. That’s something that’s come naturally, as those are the qualities I’ve had the opportunity to develop during my recovery. I’m taking that with me,” she said.

The season’s main goal remains the same as before the accident: the Marcialonga. It’s two weeks away.

See the Ski Classics overall standings here