Risk of injury at the Nordic World Ski Championships: study results revealed!

Risk of injury at the Nordic World Ski Championships: study results revealed!

The Nordic World Ski Championships, one of the most important competitive events in winter sports, took place in Planica, Slovenia in 2023. These championships, which are held every two years, are, alongside the Winter Olympics, a key event for athletes in cross-country skiing, Nordic combined and ski jumping. The physical and mental health of athletes plays a crucial role in their performance and success.

As part of the Nordic World Ski Championships 2023, a comprehensive prospective cohort study was carried out by researchers from the IIES in cooperation with the FIS and international colleagues. The aim of the study was to record the frequency and characteristics of athletes' injuries and illnesses during the competition period. This study represents an important contribution to improving safety and health in sport.

Injuries and illnesses

The study collected daily data on new, aggravated or recurring injuries and illnesses among registered athletes. It was found that 4.0% of athletes were injured and 2.5% became ill during the championships. The increase in knee injuries was particularly noticeable in the three Nordic disciplines, indicating an increased risk of injury. In addition, three cases of concussions occurred during ski jumping, another warning sign for safety in this sport.

The results of the study were published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine and are freely available. The researchers emphasize the need for further data collection at major events in Nordic skiing in order to obtain more representative data and analyze long-term trends. This information could be crucial to develop preventive measures and increase overall safety in competitive sports.

History of the Nordic World Ski Championships

The Nordic World Ski Championships were first held in 1925 in Johannisbad, Czechoslovakia and have since become an integral part of the international competition calendar. The organization of these championships changes every two years and is often an indicator of the athletes' upcoming Olympic form. The upcoming competitions are scheduled for 2025 in Trondheim, Norway, and 2027 in Falun, Sweden.

The championships have produced a variety of disciplines over the years, including cross-country skiing, Nordic combined and ski jumping. The most successful nations in the history of World Cups are often Norway, Finland, Sweden and the Soviet Union. The event has evolved and now also takes into account new formats, such as relays and sprint disciplines.

However, there have also been challenges in recent years, including the bans of athletes from certain countries in 2021 and 2025 due to political reasons. These developments cast a shadow over the otherwise celebrated tradition of the Nordic World Ski Championships.