After facing physical setbacks that would have daunted many, Magni Smedås is back to competitive skiing. Her story is not just about recovery but about a return to the sport she loves, marked by renewed vigor and an unbreakable spirit.

Last summer, amid her rigorous training, Magni Smedås, Team Eksjöhus, found herself grappling with a formidable challenge. Her zeal and dedication to pushing the limits had led her down a path of unforeseen consequences. Not once, but twice, she faced the harsh reality of acute rhabdomyolysis – a severe condition born from the ashes of overexertion, where her muscles betrayed her, teetering on the brink of causing kidney failure. “I got a little carried away. But that’s something you have to endure,” she recounted to Proxcskiing.com.

Her journey into this health issue started with a simple desire – to test her limits, to see how far her body could go. In her quest, she delved deep into strength training, embracing the intense poling sessions with determination. But as she transitioned to pull-ups, her body sounded the alarms – this was a step too far.

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition where muscles break down rapidly, leading to the release of intracellular contents like potassium, phosphate, myoglobin, and creatine kinase (CK) into the bloodstream. This can cause significant kidney damage, potentially leading to kidney failure, if the kidneys can’t remove these substances quickly enough. The condition can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Risk factors include being an endurance athlete, working in hot environments, military training, and being older than 65. Symptoms include extreme muscle soreness or weakness, muscle swelling, and dark urine.

Magni Smedås’ journey after rhabdomyolysis

“The rhabdomyolysis was in June, so I don’t feel like it has affected my shape, actually,” Magni reflected, recalling the medical ordeal that first set her back. Her journey of recovery was marked by patience and a gradual reintroduction to the sport she loves. “I love to push my limits,” she admitted, a trait that both propelled and occasionally hindered her. Her resilience shone through as he navigated the delicate balance between recovery and training.

How Magni Smedås overcame injury

“It’s boring, for sure. I don’t wish to be set back by injuries,” Magni confessed, revealing the mental toll of her physical challenges. Her second brush with injury was a humbling experience, teaching her a valuable lesson about the fragility and resilience of the body. “You just have to accept it and try to learn from it,” she said, demonstrating her ability to transform setbacks into learning opportunities.

How Magni Smedås overcame back injury

Facing a new challenge, a back injury, Magni’s season began on a note of uncertainty. “It was tough to see my teammates compete and perform the fantastic way that they did and not being able to be there and celebrate them,” she shared, her words tinged with a mix of pride and longing. Her return to the snow is a moment of profound joy. “I am SO SO SO happy to be back, you have no idea,” she exclaimed, her enthusiasm palpable.

Marthe Kristoffersen’s Influence

Marthe Kristoffersen, Magni’s coach, played a pivotal role in her journey. “Marthe has been great throughout the past month and the whole summer,” Magni said, her respect and gratitude for her guidance evident. Together, they focused on moving forward, planning, and strategizing for a stronger return.

Adapting Ski Training Techniques

Despite cutting back on strength training, Magni found new ways to maintain her edge. “I have been double poling a lot,” she explained, adapting her regimen to her body’s needs. This shift didn’t dampen her spirits or performance but reinforced her versatility and determination.

Eyes on the Prize

With her return, Magni’s goals remained ambitious. “My main goal before the season was the Yellow bib,” she said, undeterred by the races she missed. Her focus on the upcoming Grand Four races was unshakeable, her motivation fueled by the challenges she overcame. “I always have my best seasons when I am a bit injured,” she mused, a smile in her voice, ready to face whatever the season held.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV

The Season XV of Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 15 events on 11 event weekends in 6 different countries. The season started in Bad Gastein, Austria, on December 9, 2023, and will end in Norway with the 100km Ski Classics Grand Finale Janteloppet on April 13, 2024.

Next up is the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon in Italy on January 13, 2024. The event marks the fifth Ski Classics Pro Tour stage of Season XV.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV (2023/2024)

• Event 1: December 9, 2023 – Bad Gastein PTT, Austria, 13km
• Event 2: December 10, 2023 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: December 16, 2023 – La Venosta Criterium, Italy, 35km 
• Event 4: December 17, 2023 – La Venosta ITT, Italy, 10km
• Event 5: January 13, 2024 – 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, Italy, 62km
• Event 6: January 20, 2024 – Engadin La Diagonela, Switzerland, 56km
• Event 7: January 28, 2024 – Marcialonga, Italy, 70km
• Event 8: February 11, 2024 – Jizerská50, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 9: February 17, 2024 – Grönklitt Classic, Sweden, 60km
• Event 10: February 18, 2024 – Grönklitt ITT, Sweden, 13km
• Event 11: March 3, 2024 – Vasaloppet, Sweden, 90km
• Event 12: March 16, 2024 – Birkebeinerrennet, Norway, 54km
• Event 13: April 6, 2024 – Reistadløpet, Norway, 50km
• Event 14: April 7, 2024 – Summit 2 Senja, Norway, 60km
• Event 15: April 13, 2024 – Ski Classics Grand Finale – Janteloppet, Norway, 100km

More information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour can be found at skiclassics.com