In his native Finland, cross-country skier Ristomatti Hakola is also known for his sense of humor. In the past few months, however, there has been little to smile about for the 31-year-old.
Hakola, who became vice world champion with the Finnish cross-country skiers in the team sprint in Oberstdorf in 2021, recently revealed that he had difficult months behind him. “I’ve spent a very complicated summer due to health problems,” he says on the French winter sports portal “ski-nordique.netquoted.
However, Hakola left open the nature of the problems. “I don’t want to talk to the media about it, but it wasn’t easy and I was lucky to be surrounded by good people,” explained the Finn.
According to Hakola, he is now on the mend. “Today I haven’t got rid of my problems, but I’m feeling better,” said the 31-year-old.
Finnish cross-country star wants to make his comeback in January
He has been able to train again for three weeks and goes mountain biking. He has also already completed a few ski units, Hakola noted.
In the past season, Hakola had repeatedly had to take forced breaks. Among other things, a broken toe, a coronavirus infection and a rib injury kept throwing the 2021 team sprint vice world champion back.
But now Hakola is working on his comeback. When the veteran recently took part in a competition test with a relay at the Finnish Cup, he found, unsurprisingly, that he was still a long way from reaching World Cup level.
“From now on, I will take it day by day and start a training program, eat, sleep in Vuokatti – hoping my form will return soon,” Hakola said. When does he himself expect to return? “If all goes well, maybe in January,” Hakola said.