Joana Hählen: Emotional crisis – why she didn’t start in Kvitfjell!

Joana Hählen: Emotional crisis – why she didn’t start in Kvitfjell!

The Swiss alpine skier Joana Hählen is currently causing a stir after canceling her start in the Kvitfjell downhill run at short notice. In an emotional Instagram post, the 33-year-old explains that she struggles with enormous self-doubt and constant emotional challenges. "That was one of the hardest weekends of my career. I put in so much work that it's a great achievement to be able to compete at World Cup level again despite my many injuries," said Hählen with regret. Her decision not to start was one of the hardest in her career, as she emphasizes. Hählen not only struggles with her body, but also with her feelings and thoughts: “I just didn’t feel able to handle the downhill race and lost control of my emotions,” she continued.

Chaos was inevitable in Kvitfjell as the athlete, who had already won five podium places in the Ski World Cup, found herself at an emotional low point. Despite her impressive skills and hard work to get back, disappointing races have eaten away at her confidence. The decision to forgo the downhill shows the maturity and sense of responsibility of the athlete, who is now putting her health first. "I'm proud of myself. A few years ago I would have competed anyway, hoping to somehow make it to the finish line," reflects Hählen, emphasizing that she is now learning to listen to herself both physically and mentally.

Emotional struggles and the way back

Joana Hählen speaks openly about the difficulties that accompany her sport. She is frustrated by the setbacks and the constant confrontation with her inner demons. “I still love skiing and I'm motivated, but at the moment I don't feel like that love is reciprocated,” she reveals. Her injury history includes several serious cruciate ligament injuries, and rather than relying on surgery, she has decided to continue with intense muscle exercises. This attitude could be crucial to continuing her career, even if the coming races are fraught with uncertainty. Loud Home of Sports However, she receives support from those around her as she works on her self-confidence and prepares for a positive future in skiing.