The International Ski Federation (FIS), following the recommendations of the IOC, saved the fans from the opportunity to enjoy the exciting confrontation between Alexander Bolshunov and Johannes Klebo. The leaders of the federation themselves excommunicated the Russian from international competitions, but the Norwegian also runs the risk of not being the best assistant in the fight for the attention of fans.

The five-time Olympic champion was injured before the start of the season.

FIS now has a headache too.

Discomfort in the buttock changed plans

The probable absence of the Russian Alexander Bolshunov in the upcoming international ski season makes the Norwegian Johannes Klebo almost the uncontested favorite of any ski competition. At least on paper, the five-time Olympic champion would seem to have no serious competitors.

In reality, things can turn out a little differently. In the spring, the 25-year-old athlete spent his nerves on a conflict with the national federation, risking a place in the national team. Now he is experiencing health problems, due to which he can be out of action for several months – at one of the July training sessions, the Norwegian was injured.

Johannes Klebo / Photo: © Personal archive of Johannes Klebo

– Toward the end of last week, Johannes felt discomfort in the back of his right buttock during a workout. We were going to spend a big training week, but after talking we came to the conclusion that plans should be changed, – VG quoted Norwegian ski coach Arild Monsen as saying.

Several months to heal

Later it turned out that it was not worth worrying about the buttocks of the Norwegian. The pain was the result of other problems. While on vacation, the six-time world champion suffered a right thigh injury – he overdid it in training. More specifically, we are talking about stretching the hamstring. Norway team doctor Ove Feragen notes that Johannes suspected the possibility of damage “three or four weeks ago.” An MRI confirmed that the fears of the star Norwegian were not in vain.

“This kind of injury takes time. Based on experience, we assume that from the moment of injury to its complete healing, it takes from six to twelve weeks, Adresseavisen quotes Feragena.

Now Johannes at least have to adjust the preparation for the upcoming season. In mid-August, he was going to visit the training camp of the national team in Norway, and then continue the training program in the United States. If the recovery process stretches for a maximum period of three months, then these plans will be in jeopardy.

Frustrated preparation is half the trouble. If the doctors’ predictions turn out to be not so accurate, then in the worst case, the Norwegian risks missing some of the starts, which will certainly affect his results in the overall World Cup standings. Thus, fans of skiing in the upcoming season may be left not only without the intriguing rivalry between Klebo and Bolshunov, but, in fact, without any triumphs in the performance of the Norwegian.

Whether in this case the athletes of the second echelon will be able to compensate for the absence of superstars and draw public attention to the stages of the World Cup remains in question. Now FIS officials will have to live with this headache for at least the next few weeks.