In May, Norwegian biathlon star Karoline Knotten had a serious bicycle accident. The 27-year-old made an impressive comeback last weekend – even though she is still struggling with the long-term effects of the fall.
In the absence of the superstars Marte Olsbu Röiseland, Tiril Eckhoff and Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold, Karoline Knotten triumphed at the Norwegian season opener in Sjusjöen and won both sprint races.
After her horror fall, it was not foreseeable that Knotten would start the season so successfully. In May she fell off her bicycle and suffered a severe concussion, a black eye and superficial injuries.
Despite the success at the start, Knotten is still struggling with the long-term consequences of the accident.
“I often have headaches,” said the 27-year-old in an interview with “NRK“: “I have to take a few measures here and there because the body reacts a little differently than before. There are a few problems, but I’m coping just fine.”
Since then, however, the ski hunter has often felt “like a zombie”. “I don’t quite recognize myself,” she revealed, explaining, “I’ve always been open and communicative at gatherings, but now if I have to sit and talk for a long time at lunch or dinner… I have to go because I’m the conversations can’t follow and go to bed.”
Knotten can lower his shoulders after a successful opening
Especially after hard training sessions, Knotten needs longer to regenerate after a fall. Long breaks are not possible in the season with the numerous competitions.
That’s why it was particularly important to her to get off to a good start in the season, “so that I can lower my shoulders a little and don’t have to prove myself all the time,” said Knotten.