Hilda Andersson was only 16 years old when she took WC bronze in trials at the end of 2022. The 2023 season was not as good in terms of results, but she felt that her form was on the way back when the accident happened.
At a floorball game, a supplement when it’s not cycling season, in December she caught her foot and twisted her knee. Hilda Andersson says that she fainted.
– I just remember that it went black and then I remember that the paramedic grabbed my leg, and then I know that I woke up, she tells SVT Sport.
– It hurt so damn much. Crazy.
Thinking a lot about the event
The cruciate ligament tore and she also damaged ligaments and meniscus. On January 25, surgery awaits and then rehabilitation for nine to twelve months.
– I haven’t received much hope for the future yet because I’m just waiting for the operation. Right now it just feels hard and I’m thinking about the incident and what would have happened if I hadn’t run there.
The injury means that the 17-year-old misses the indoor and outdoor WC, EC and a number of World Cup competitions. But for the WC in December, she could be back, even if she doesn’t want to rush the comeback.
– My physiotherapist has said that if everything goes as it should after the operation, I can get there. So I hope.
“Hope to come out stronger”
She admits that she feels some anxiety about how the knee operation will affect her in the future.
– I am most worried that it will never be completely fine and that I will have pain or some type of restriction.
She adds:
– I also hope to come out of this stronger and that it will help me both physically and mentally and that I will be strengthened as a person.