The Norwegian cross-country skier Ingvild Flugstad Østberg won’t be competing before Christmas, as doctors have deemed her not health-ready.

“My body needs to change; I need to gain weight,” Flugstad Østberg told VG.

For several years, Ingvild Flugstad Østberg has struggled with health issues. The last time she competed at the highest international level was in March 2023. She missed last year’s season opener in Beitostølen and won’t be on the start line when the season begins in a few weeks. The reason is the same as last year: her health certificate has not been approved.

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The Norwegian athlete is not considered health-ready for skiing and, together with her doctor, has decided she won’t ski before Christmas. 

“It’s hard to take two steps back; it makes things even harder. I’m disappointed in myself that I can’t handle it better. My body has to change—I need to gain weight and be comfortable with it. I need to have a different body and train hard at the same time,” the 33-year-old told VG.

“The World Championships Don’t Feel Realistic”

Since 2020, Flugstad Østberg has experienced recurring health issues and still hasn’t received a diagnosis. 

“I’ve discussed it with my psychiatrist. I’m not too worried about having a label or not, but he has his assessment on whether I have an eating disorder. At certain times, an unspecified eating disorder has been present, and at other times not.”

Regarding the World Championships in Trondheim in February/March, she said:

“The World Championships aren’t realistic now. It hurts to say. But as long as there’s a glimmer of hope, it’s hard to give up the dream. I believe that at my best, I’m one of the four who can compete for Norway and fight for a medal, but right now, I’m far from that.”

Quitting her career doesn’t seem to be an option yet. 

“I don’t want to quit just because others think I should. The most important thing is that my health is good; that’s part of the assessment. I may very well give up, but I still love training and cross-country skiing.”

A Taboo Subject

Weight and nutrition are often taboo topics. Jessie Diggins has previously been open about her struggle with an eating disorder. Ingvild Flugstad Östberg has spoken publicly on the topic for years. 

“I talk a lot with those closest to me. The reason it’s a bit taboo is that everyone has their own story. If I tell mine, it can be positive, but for others, it may come across as provocative or even negative: ‘Why doesn’t she say more, or why does she say it this way?’ I feel that. And I feel that if I open up about my body, weight, and diet, that becomes the focus,” she told VG and continued: 

“I’m not just the skier Ingvild; I am so much more. It’s much more enjoyable to talk about my love for the sport and competition. That’s the biggest part of my career and who I am, along with my wonderful family and friends.”

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