By Johan Trygg
Oskar Kardin had a great race at Jizerska Padesatka on February 9, finishing just behind his teammate in Team Ragde Eiendom, Andreas Nygaard.
His form was rising upon Vasaloppet. Then the misfortune struck when Oskar slipped on an icy spot during a workout and hit his head so hard that he got a concussion.
"I hadn’t been physically active for two weeks until today when I went out and did some ´walking` with skis. I hope to be able to do some more races this winter, but I don't know if that is the case," says Kardin.
It was on a training session after Jizerska in the build-up against Vasaloppet that the unfortunate setback took place.
"I landed so badly that I got concussion. On the way home I realized it was probably pretty bad. I had no idea what date it was. I knew I was going to race Vasaloppet but didn't remember when the race was. You could say I was consciously unaware."
Shortly after the accident, Oskar tried to exercise for four days, but the symptoms became worse and he got more headaches. Then for two weeks he was mostly just at home and only took a few walks.
"Now it is important to take one step at a time. I get help from a physiotherapist who works with hockey players, football players and downhill skiers who have suffered from concussions. I follow a so-called brain staircase rehab, and I'm only allowed to do low-intensity activity at first," says Oskar.
He hopes he will be able to do some more races this spring but that is still uncertain.
"I see it as a bonus if I can do it. Now, I take one day at a time."
Missing Vasaloppet, one of the season highlights and main goals was, of course, tough for Kardin.
"Yes, the shape was coming. But sometimes you have bad luck."
On Sunday, he had to follow the race on TV and was, of course, really happy that his teammate in Team Ragde Eiendom, Petter Eliassen, was able to claim the victory.
