Fearful Olympic Ski Jumper Hastily Concludes Athletic Pursuit
Norwegian ski jumping champion Daniel-Andre Tande has called it quits, revealing his decision via an Instagram post. The 30-year-old, set to compete at the home World Championships in Trondheim, cited the mental toll from his 2021 accident in Planica as his reason for retiring. In an emotional video message, Tande shared, "I'm still grappling with the aftermath of my fall in 2021 at Planica. Jumping now brings me more dread than delight. And I've always said that when the joy turns into fear, it's time to call it a day."
Following a devastating crash during ski flying on the infamous jump in Slovenia, Tande was placed into an artificial coma. He sustained a broken neck and a minor lung injury. Medical examinations revealed four brain bleeds, leaving his future in doubt since he was no longer competing for podium finishes, but for survival.
However, Tande's resilience shone through as he ultimately fought his way back to the start line nine months later.
Though this was not Tande's only setback - in May 2018, he was struck by the rare Stevens-Johnson syndrome while at the peak of his career. "I woke up from a nap and had trouble breathing," Tande shared with "Dagbladet." "I couldn't swallow or eat." But fortune favors the brave, and Tande managed to overcome the debilitating illness where the immune system attacks the body's cells. With sheer determination, he made a remarkable comeback and reclaimed his position among the world's elite.
Tande's achievements include earning Olympic gold with the Norwegian team in Pyeongchang in 2018, becoming world champion in the individual event at Oberstdorf in 2018, and capturing three gold medals as part of the team. Additionally, he proudly boasts 13 Four Hills Tournament victories and came very close to securing the overall title in the 2016/17 season, losing out just before the final jump due to a fault with his right ski's binding.
Despite his numerous setbacks in sports, including a devastating crash and a rare illness, Norwegian ski jumping champion Daniel-Andre Tande demonstrated remarkable resilience and made remarkable comebacks. Ski jumping, nevertheless, has become a source of dread for him due to the mental toll after his 2021 accident.
