The alpinist confirms this in an interview with news. After a long career at the top level, topped with, among other things, World Cup gold, he decided to put competitive skiing aside. – People have been trying to talk to me about it since March, and just thinking about it made me laugh, Tviberg says. JOY: Tviberg managed to become world champion during his career. Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB When news meets the cheerful Bergensar, she has thought long and hard about the election she will tell about. On 2 July this year, he decided. Even though the road back from the knee injury she sustained in November last year has actually exceeded all expectations. – I can feel the fear of hurting me again, she has grown so big. The consequence of having to continue is so insanely great that I just can’t stand for that choice if I had chosen it, she says. After two cruciate ligament injuries in each knee and a serious fifth knee injury last year, the 30-year-old felt that she had “used up” her chances. Not when it came to possible podium places and merits, but when it came to “re-creating” a healthy knee. This is Maria Tviberg Full name: Maria Therese Tviberg Born: 7 April 1994 (age 30) Club: Geilo IL Merits: WC: Gold in parallel giant slalom, silver in team competition Olympics: Bronze in team competition NM: Four golds Debuted in the World Cup on 24 January 2015. Wanted to avoid donor cruciate ligament INJURY: Here is Tviberg after his fifth serious knee injury. Photo: Skjermdump Instagram / @mariatviberg The cross band has rowed both as a 16-year-old, 18-year-old, 21-year-old and 24-year-old. And also a serious knee injury last year when she was 29 years old. According to Tviberg, she has thereby used the chances one has to be able to reconstruct a damaged knee herself. – In a way, you have three chances for a knee. You can get a graft, a new cruciate ligament, from the hamstring, quadriceps and patella. And on my left knee now, I have used all three options, says Tviberg. MARK FOR LIFE: Both Tviberg’s knees are full of scars after operations. Photo: Glenn Aaseby / news Therefore, the consequences would have been even greater if another cruciate ligament were to break. – If I were to do it again now, then I would either have to get a donor, or either a living person donates a cruciate ligament to me, or I have to get rid of my right knee, or I have to get allografts from the freezer, then. Tviberg did not want to take that risk again. – The consequence is simply too great. I just felt that, no, it stops there for me. As long as it has been a possibility that I have been able to help myself, then it has been ok, but now that chance has been used up, says Tviberg. – I don’t have a conscience towards myself to have to sit back if something happens, because you have to take account of all scenarios. One has to be ready to take that risk, and I felt that he was no longer there. – I think many people were shocked. But when she herself realized that it was over, it didn’t come as much of a surprise. And she stands safe and sound in the election, which she has spent a lot of time on. – I have spent five cruciate ligament injuries and half a year landing in the decision, says Tviberg. She is very happy to start the “normal” life. Even if she doesn’t know what the future holds. – I am very curious, very excited. But it’s scary right now. Since 2010, she has raced in the alpine world cup, and participated in major championships when she has not been injured. During his career, Tviberg has won WC gold, WC silver and Olympic bronze. The gold was the first that a Norwegian woman has won individually in a WC since 1958. BLID: Although it is strange to tell that she quits, Tviberg is almost always seen with a smile on her face. Photo: Glenn Aaseby / news The support from roommates, teammates, support staff and sponsors has meant a lot both in the past, but also after she fell on the decision. The most important thing, she says herself, is that they have let her make the choice herself and not push her. – I think a lot of people were shocked that I suddenly chose to give up, considering that I have not given up before. So I think everyone understands it very well when they think about it. And then you get sad. And it’s nice too, because it means they care, and would like to wish you didn’t choose that, she says. They have nevertheless contributed with good support and good advice. – Ragnhild (Mowinckel) gave me a good tip, she said that if you are curious about other things, then maybe there is a reason for it. And don’t stick with it just because it’s safe. The safest thing for me now is just to say yes and continue. It’s much scarier to give up, says Tviberg. Published 12.09.2024, at 12.00
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Alpinist and WC gold winner Maria Tviberg lays it down – knows the fear of injury – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
