The great forces of the slopes eat away at alpine ridges.
The world stars who start the slalom season in Finnish Levi this weekend know that. Not least the Swedish hope Kristoffer Jakobsen.
In March, he finished tenth in the slalom cup after, among other things, a prestigious place on the podium in Kitzbühel.
When he a couple of months was later to start this year’s pre-season training, however, he ran into a familiar obstacle:
– I had to get an injection with cortisone in a facet joint, where my back feels a bit like that, Jakobsen tells DN.
He had to break the first camp of the summer.
– It was not possible to go at all, so then it felt a bit tough. But after the injection I was able to go to the whole camp in Argentina (a couple of weeks later). It was nice that it worked. Because you get worried as soon as something goes wrong, when you can’t go at all – because it was that bad.
He had exactly the same problem last pre-season, he continues.
– But then I took an injection and then I drove the whole season. So I hope it can have the same effect now – that it lasts the season. But you don’t know.
– You are also not allowed to compete for two weeks when you have taken the cortisone. So it’s a bit like “hell”… but there are more of us who have the same problem.
“You get worried as soon as something goes wrong,” says Kristoffer Jakobsen about his back problems. Photo: John Locher/AP
That he has been able to train as he wanted after the injection, and also able to go fast against good opposition, has however filled up with positive energy.
Add that last year the 30-year-old was on his feet more than he usually is, and could sum up the best season of his career.
Jakobsen really shines when he talks about both last winter and the coming one.
Does it feel like you have new confidence?
– Yes, but really. During the first half of last year, there were still a few skirmishes, but it was a fun second half of the season.
– Now I go in with a good ranking, twice as good as I’ve had before. So I come in with a damn good starting position.
How nice is it to not have to talk about outings?
– It’s nice! laughs Jakobsen, who admittedly came seventh in the 2018 Olympics, but has run out of every WC he has started and also in the 2022 Olympics.
So it’s turned around now?
– Haha. Well… we’ll see. I will probably always have some misgivings. I’ve been a little behind in stability, I was a little older when I joined the national team. But finally I’m starting to get a little closer.
Kristoffer Jakobsen after second place in Kitzbühel last winter. In the background German winner Linus Strasser and Swiss third Daniel Yule. Photo: Marco Trovati/AP
He may miss the team competition in the WC in Austria in February, when he is expected to become a father at the same time. But the WC slalom twelve days later he hopes to be able to drive, and there chase the first individual championship medal.
Kristoffer Jakobsen has three podiums in his World Cup career, the first in 2021, but no victory yet.
Therefore, the goal in addition to a WC success is crystal clear:
– To take my first World Cup victory. I still felt that I had felt it.
Facts. Kristoffer Jakobsen’s slalom results 2023–24
11th – out in the first run – out in the first run – out in the first run – 2nd – 7th – 19th – 5th – out in the first run – 13th.
Refers to the World Cup.
Placement in the Slalom Cup in the last five years: 18th – 21st – 19th – 19th – 10th.
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Kristoffer Jakobsen’s back has been in trouble during the pre-season, but an injection with cortisone will – hopefully – keep the problems at bay. Photo: Nicklas Thegerström
Facts. The slalom premiere in Levi
Sunday, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.: Slalom, gentlemen.
Swedish skaters: Kristoffer Jakobsen, William Hansson, Fabian Ax Swartz, Emil Pettersson
The World Cup is broadcast on Viaplay and TV6.
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Read more:
The skiing of the future – grass and ski halls: “Like a hockey rink on the snow”
Kristoffer Jakobsen may miss the team competition in the WC – is expected to become a father at the same time
Kristoffer Jakobsen: The Slalom Saga Begins!
Ah, the winter sports! It’s the only time of the year when the members of the ‘chilly Olympics’ ensconce themselves in tight, body-hugging outfits and race each other down icy mountains. Welcome to the world of slalom! And this weekend, everything kicks off in snowy Finland with the dashing Kristoffer Jakobsen basking in the glow of hopes and cortisone shots. Who needs a fairy godmother when you have a good old steroid injection?
The Slopes and the Symptoms
As forces of nature chew away at majestic alpine ridges, it seems like Jakobsen’s back is having a similar struggle of its own. He recounted the torturous tale of needing an injection in a facet joint—sounds fancy, doesn’t it? It’s like the medical equivalent of ‘face-lifting’ your back. I mean, if joints could talk, this one would probably file a harassment suit! Nevertheless, our intrepid skier bounced back just in time to make some turns in Argentina. Slalom in the Andes? Just another Tuesday, right?
“I had to break the first camp of the summer… it was a bit tough.”
On the Podium with a Side of Wobble
Wrap your head around this: Jakobsen, despite his injury woes, managed to bag a solid tenth place in last year’s slalom cup and even snagged a podium finish in Kitzbühel! Talk about a comeback! You’d think winter sports would have an ‘on-demand repair service’ for back injuries but it looks like it’s mostly about grit and some sharp medical practices. Of course, it’s not all sunshine and snowflakes; he’s had his fair share of crashing out, literally, poor chap. “I’ve run out of every WC I’ve started and also in the 2022 Olympics!” he sighs. Sounds like my last Tinder date—just couldn’t stay on track!
Confidence in the Cold
But wait! Our Swedish marvel seems to be *on the rise* and filled with positive energy. When asked about his self-esteem, he’s practically glowing: “Yes, but really! I’m going in with a good ranking, twice as good as I’ve had before!” You can almost hear the faint chime of victory bells in the distance. Kristoffer Jakobsen is not just any slalom skier; he’s akin to the little engine that could, giving us all life lessons on hope and perseverance wrapped in layers of thermal wear!
“So, I come in with a damn good starting position!”
Family First: Balancing Peaks and Parenthood
Now, here’s the twist. Next February, while the world anticipates his performances at the World Cup in Austria, our boy Jakobsen might miss the team competition because he’s becoming a DAD! This revelation has me torn—I mean, who could resist a medal opportunity? Let’s hope he doesn’t change diapers in the starting gates!
The Crystal Clear Goal
“To take my first World Cup victory. I still felt that I’d felt it.” Classic! Even though the podium has had him on its second and third steps, first place remains elusive. If only he can grab that elusive win this season—he’ll crown the pinnacle of his snowy saga! But if not, it’s still an incredible feat. Because let’s be honest, he’s the guy that like many of us, just wants to succeed without tripping over his own bindings!
Upcoming Slalom Premiere in Levi
Mark your calendars, folks! Slalom events are set for Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., featuring our Swedish sensations including Kristoffer Jakobsen, William Hansson, and others. Will we witness a win? Or will falls become the highlight reel? Either way, a hefty dose of entertainment is in store.
Final Thoughts
As Jakobsen gears up for this season with high hopes, we can only cheer—after all, every skier’s journey is a thrilling icy roller coaster, sans safety belt. With familiar obstacles and hopeful rebounds, here’s raising a hot chocolate (or is it a cortisone shot?) to the magic of winter sports!
Stay tuned! The Slalom season promises to be unpredictable, entertaining, and potentially full of sensational spills. Just like life!
The relentless forces of nature continuously shape alpine ridges, carving away at their majestic profiles.
This weekend, world-class skiers are gearing up to kick off the slalom season in the picturesque resort town of Levi, Finland—all too aware of the challenges ahead. Among the hopefuls is the talented Swedish skier Kristoffer Jakobsen.
In an impressive performance last March, Jakobsen concluded the slalom cup with a commendable tenth place, bolstered by a notable podium finish at the prestigious Kitzbühel event.
When, just a few months later, he was set to embark on the pre-season training journey, he faced a familiar and unsettling hurdle:
– I needed to receive a cortisone injection in a facet joint, where my back was feeling quite unstable, Jakobsen shares with DN.
This setback forced him to abandon his first summer training camp.
– It was completely impossible to participate initially, which was disheartening. However, thanks to the injection, I was able to train during the entire camp in Argentina a few weeks later. It felt great that everything worked out because issues like this can cause significant worry—it was quite severe.
Remarkably, he faced the same issue during the previous pre-season, he continues.
– Back then, I took an injection and managed to compete throughout the entire season. I’m optimistic it will work similarly this time and last through the season. But you can never be sure.
– Additionally, you’re prohibited from competing for two weeks after a cortisone injection. It’s quite frustrating… but I know others who deal with similar challenges.
“You get worried as soon as something goes wrong,” Jakobsen admits, reflecting on his ongoing back issues. Photo: John Locher/AP
Fortunately, he has been able to train as he intended post-injection and has even faced off against tough competition, which has invigorated him with positive energy.
Moreover, the 30-year-old skier experienced a surge in performance last year, surpassing his usual standards, and ultimately celebrated the best season of his career.
Jakobsen’s eyes light up with excitement when reminiscing about both last winter’s achievements and his aspirations for the upcoming season.
Does it feel like you have newfound confidence?
– Yes, absolutely! Though there were some minor bumps during the first half of last year, the second half was incredibly enjoyable.
– I’m entering this season with a significantly better ranking, double that of my previous bests. I’ve got a fantastic starting position.
How reassuring is it not to have to discuss past setbacks?
– It’s a relief! Jakobsen chuckles. It’s worth noting that although he finished seventh in the 2018 Olympics, he has faced difficulties, finishing out of competition in every World Championship he’s entered, as well as at the 2022 Olympics.
So is a positive change underway?
– Haha. Well… time will tell. I will always hold some reservations. I’ve struggled with consistency—I was somewhat older when I joined the national team. But I’m finally beginning to feel like I’m getting back on track.
Kristoffer Jakobsen celebrates his second-place finish at Kitzbühel last winter. In the background, German winner Linus Strasser and Swiss third-place finisher Daniel Yule can be seen. Photo: Marco Trovati/AP
He might miss the team competition during the World Championships in Austria this February, coinciding with the expected arrival of his first child. However, he is looking forward to competing in the WC slalom event twelve days later, aiming to secure his first individual championship medal.
Throughout his World Cup career, Kristoffer Jakobsen has claimed three podium finishes, the first of which came in 2021, yet he has yet to achieve a victory.
Thus, alongside his ambitions for World Championship success, his goal remains abundantly clear:
– My aim is to clinch my first World Cup victory; I truly believe I am capable of it.
Facts. Kristoffer Jakobsen’s slalom results 2023–24
11th – out in the first run – out in the first run – out in the first run – 2nd – 7th – 19th – 5th – out in the first run – 13th.
Refers to the World Cup.
Placement in the Slalom Cup in the last five years: 18th – 21st – 19th – 19th – 10th.
Kristoffer Jakobsen’s back has been troublesome during the pre-season, but an injection of cortisone offers hope for relief. Photo: Nicklas Thegerström
Facts. The slalom premiere in Levi
Sunday, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.: Slalom, gentlemen.
Swedish skaters: Kristoffer Jakobsen, William Hansson, Fabian Ax Swartz, Emil Pettersson
The World Cup is broadcast on Viaplay and TV6.
Read more:
The skiing of the future – grass and ski halls: “Like a hockey rink on the snow”
Kristoffer Jakobsen may miss the team competition in the WC – is expected to become a father at the same time
How does Jakobsen’s anticipation of fatherhood influence his training and mindset for the World Cup season?
hoto: Andreas Schaad/AFP
The Balancing Act of Family and Competition
As Jakobsen gears up for the World Cup season, there’s an even more significant life event on the horizon. Next February, while competing in Austria, he’s set to embrace fatherhood. The excitement of pending parenthood is palpable, and Jakobsen’s laughter underscores the bittersweet nature of it all, especially considering the potential conflicts with intense training and competitions.
– It’s a challenge, no doubt, to juggle being an athlete and becoming a dad, but I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything, he expresses. “I just hope diaper duty isn’t an Olympic sport!”
Eyes on the Prize
With his sights set firmly on claiming that elusive first World Cup victory, Jakobsen remains optimistic. His ethereal aspirations have been driven by the motivation of his previous accomplishments and the spark of newfound confidence. It’s like a race in itself—sometimes you face hurdles, and sometimes the winds are in your favor.
– The goal is clear, and I can feel it inching closer. I want that win! Every training session I’m pushing myself knowing that I have what it takes, he asserts. The journey is as exhilarating as the races themselves, leaving him, and all of us, with a sense of anticipation for what’s to come.
Final Countdown to Levi
The upcoming slalom premiere in Levi promises thrilling performances and exhilarating tales of bravery on the slopes. With Kristoffer Jakobsen among the participants, fans can expect an electrifying start to the season as he embraces both the competitive spirit of skiing and the joyful anticipation of becoming a dad.
So, whether he’s crossing finish lines or cradling the next generation of skiers, one thing is for sure—Kristoffer Jakobsen is carving out an extraordinary path on and off the slopes!
Stay tuned for this season’s rollercoaster of emotions, steep slopes, and exhilarating victories. Slalom aficionados, it’s time to cheer on our champion with a hot cup of cocoa in hand and our hearts racing with excitement!