By Johan Trygg
For last winter's winner of the sprint vest in Visma Ski Classics, Anton Karlsson, Lager 157 Ski Team, it's tough times now. A few weeks ago, after a magnetic X-ray, Anton was found to have disk hernias.
It is very uncertain when Anton can be back in action, but he is now going through an extensive rehab training.
“I want to come back 100% healthy and be able to compete on skis again”, says the windy fast Lager 157 athlete. “As it is now, I lose strength in one leg, especially down in the calf, as a nerve is affected by the hernia.”
Anton works hard every day at the gym in his hometown Östersund to come back. It is about strength training but also a lot about stabilization exercises.
“There are several hours of training each day. You could say that I live at the gym,” says Anton who works in close contact with a physiotherapist supervising exercises for mobility and strength. “It is important to be careful and do all the exercises correctly.”
His comeback on skis is currently written in the stars.
“I don't know if it will be in December or March. I love skiing and do everything to get back to my close friends in the team. If I can compete this winter, I see it as a big bonus. At the same time, I have to be mentally prepared for a tough fight if my recovery is faster than expected.”
