Swiss World Cup Racer Niels Hintermann Diagnosed with Cancer
Niels Hintermann GEPA pictures
Hintermann opened the press conference by sharing his diagnosis of lymph node cancer, a revelation that deeply shocked him. Doctors discovered the cancer during a routine medical exam last week.
Chances of Recovery
During the press conference, Hintermann said, “The chances of recovery are very good; it is very well under control, although it is a rare type of cancer.” The doctors are optimistic about Hintermann returning to ski racing after his treatment and rehabilitation.
“The doctor reassured me that there was no danger to life,” Hintermann said.
Now he awaits two cycles of chemotherapy and two weeks of radiation treatment. “The aim is to eradicate the bad cells completely,” SwissSki’s Alpine doctor and Chief Medical Officer, Walter O. Frey, explained during the press conference.
Surprise discovery
Hintermann recently returned to Switzerland after a ski training camp in South America with the Swiss national team. The training went well for the Swiss racer who won the last World Cup downhill of the 2023/24 season in Kvitfjell, Norway.
However, his world turned upside down abruptly after he arrived in Switzerland and underwent a routine medical exam. Suddenly, sports were no longer the priority, Hintermann shared during the press conference.
The Only Important Battle
“Unfortunately, we see once again how unpredictable and unplannable life is. The diagnosis is, and remains, shocking. Still, I am infinitely grateful that this type of cancer is very curable and that I can count on the great support of my wife, my family, the sponsors, the association, and, of course, my doctors. We are all pulling together, which will give me the strength to overcome this difficult time. Now it is time to survive the only important battle,” Hintermann said in a SwissSki statement on October 9.
Physical Exercise Important
During the press conference, Swiss team doctor Frey stated it is essential for Hintermann to stay physically active within a framework that will work for him during the upcoming treatment process:
“Exercise and sport are medications, even for cancer,” Doctor Frey stated.
The doctor explained that fatigue is a likely outcome of the treatment. However, Hintermann said he hopes to get out of bed and be active even on the heavy days.
After the press conference, the Swiss team doctor told Blick.ch that two things will help Hintermann: Primarily, that he goes into chemotherapy with a very strong body, and secondly, his character as a top athlete will help him fight when the going gets tough.
Wonderful Lives
Hintermann, who married this summer, first thought of his wife, family and friends when he received the cancer diagnosis. “Then you realize how wonderful our lives are, that we can focus on things such as sports,” he said during the press conference.
Hintermann stays positive and hopes to once again train with the Swiss national team next August, according to Blick.ch.
“As far as can be foreseen, and if everything goes according to plan, we firmly hope that Niels will be back at full strength in the 2025/26 season,” Doctor Frey said in the SwissSki statement.
Career
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Hintermann has won won two downhill and one alpine combined World Cup competitions so far in his career. Last season, he placed in the top 10 in four World Cup downhills. The speed skier has 100 World Cup starts, the majority in downhill, four starts in the World Championships, and one in the Olympics.
Ski Racing Media wishes Niels Hintermann all the best for his treatment and recovery.
Sources: SwissSki, Blick.ch, fis-ski.com
About the Author: Bente Bjørnsen Sherlock
