The cross-country skiers suffered in the minus 19 degree “freezer” in Ruka and reported some severe cold symptoms. Olympic champion Jessica Diggins was hit particularly hard.
“Frozen eyes”, numb hands and feet and stiff legs – the start of the World Cup in the Finnish Arctic Circle demanded everything from the cross-country skiers in Ruka/Kuusamo. Olympic champion Jessica Diggins was hit particularly hard.
“Bloody Face”: Diggins suffers intensely
The American experienced a horror trip over 20 kilometers at temperatures up to 19 degrees below freezing. “I finished the race with a bloody face, a spare stick, no gloves, and no feeling in my hand or legs” Diggins wrote on social media after the run.
What happened? Diggins had been hit in the face with a stick during the race and therefore finished with a bloody face. She also lost a stick and glove and therefore finished the race with her right hand naked.
Still in second place without gloves
What is even more impressive is that the Olympic silver medalist almost won over 20 kilometers in the end, despite the many setbacks and problems. Diggins was only three tenths of a second behind surprise winner Moa Ilar in the final sprint. “HObviously, all the drama that could happen is over for this year” wrote the 32-year-old about her memorable Sunday in Ruka.
Bögl: “My optician will hate me”
Diggins wasn’t the only one struggling with the near-rule-breaking conditions. “On some laps my vision was blurry because my eyes were frozen – despite glasses. My optician will hate me,” said Lucas Bögl, whose toes suffered badly despite wearing foot warmers.
Icebox race was about to be canceled
According to the regulations of the world association FIS, competitions can only take place if it is not colder than minus 20 degrees. Katharina Hennig also suffered from the temperatures. “In the future, Katha should wear thicker overshoes. That won’t happen to her again,” said national coach Peter Schlickenrieder. Olympic champion Hennig did not get past 27th place over 10 km.
Hennig’s teammate Victoria Carl, who was really looking forward to the long distance at the lecture, just wanted to “go to the sauna” after her good eighth place. Meanwhile, Pia Fink complained about stiff legs: “I couldn’t move well anymore.” Florian Notz explained that he felt “a bit dizzy” in the second half of the race.
Next cold battle next week
The racing calendar continues to be unkind to the Nordic athletes. Next weekend the World Cup will stop in the no less arctic Gällivare in northern Sweden. The place is located in the province of Lapland and 70 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle.