Ski great to retire aged 27 after Crohn’s diagnosis

The most successful Nordic combined athlete of all time, Jarl Magnus Riiber, 27 years old, has been given the diagnosis Crohn’s disease.

The Norwegian, who combines ski jumping and cross-country skiing, has a record 76 individual World Cup victories, five overall titles, and eight World Championship victories.

Riiber claims that his diagnosis “came as a bit of a surprise” because the digestive system has been known to have inflammation for a long period of time.

His retirement means he will will not take part in next year’s Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina.

“The sport consumes my entire day, every day, and it feels like I am a prisoner to my own goals”, he said.

“With an Olympics next year, I would need to make enormous sacrifices again, considering my health situation. My body isn’t strong enough to handle it, I believe.

I prefer to leave right now, while I’m at my best, so that I can concentrate on my health and enjoy my family. I’m so happy to be able to care for my loved ones, especially my partner, who has spent almost five years raising our family as a single mother and managing both my career. Now it is their turn to come first. “

After making a wrong turn in the combined large hill/10 km race, he ultimately finished eighth overall, which would have prevented him from winning a medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics. He won a silver in the team event at the 2018 Games.

Riiber, who is currently chasing a sixth overall title, said: “It also causes joint and tendons pain, which is what has caused me so much pain.” Thankfully, my immune system will be weakened despite my medication.

There are questions about whether my health will continue to be a priority despite the team doctors and Lillehammer hospital’s excellent support and optimism that I could continue competing as usual.