It has been a long way back for alpine skier Lisa Hörnblad.
A prolonged knee injury has finally healed.
But that she will be on a pair of skis again, has not been obvious through the journey.
- The doctors were completely given up and there was talk that I would stop, because the doctors did not know what to do to get this, she says and continues:
- There have mostly been indications that I might not be fully recovered.
And then I can not ski at the level I want, and then I am not interested.
How were you affected by hearing that your career could end?
- Just hearing that talk was awful and unreal.
It was awful, I did not want to be deprived of it so early, when it was not on my terms.
"Very dark"
When Hörnblad reflects back on the injury period, she says it was uncertain.
There were no guarantees that she would be restored, the operation was a pure gamble.
- It was very dark for a very long time, and no signs of anything good.
It stood between two operations;
one had a shorter recovery period but was a real chance, and a major operation where the way back would be much longer.
According to the 25-year-old, the latter was not an option.
- I did not feel that I could bear to be gone for another year.
I would not mind that mentally, she says.
The chance paid off
The chance paid off.
After three operations, the most recent in April, Lisa Hörnblad is today fully recovered.
- I often wait for the pain to come, but it does not.
It feels really great.
She continues:
- The knee is shit good.
I support all training and can do exactly what I want on the slopes.
I was determined that I would have to go down in training and adapt the training to the knee, but I do not have to stand over anything at all.
It is above expectations indeed.
What does the season's goal look like?
- I have super high goals, while I try to stay on earth and be a little kind to myself.
I want so damn much, but I have not competed in two years, so I am after a bit.
Right now it's about holding back a bit and preparing myself that the first competitions will not be exactly as I want.
On the third of December, Lisa Hörnblad makes her first World Cup competition since she sustained her injury.
MORE ALPINT: Sara Hector twelve in Sölden (23 October 2021)
Javascript is disabled
Javascript must be turned on to play video
Read more about browser support
The browser is not supported
SVT does not support playback in your browser.
We therefore recommend that you switch to another browser.
Read more about browser support
Sara Hector twelve after the first ride Photo: Bildbyrån