The 34-year-old Italian struggled with numerous injuries and surgeries throughout last season. Repeated problems that plagued him during the winter prevented him from participating in all events of the World Cup.
Hofer made only one unsuccessful appearance at the World Cup in Oberhof. In his place, at his age, many athletes would have given up, but he never gave up, even if this idea often crossed his mind.
«In the middle of summer, I noticed that my body was responding quite well, especially to the pulse and showing good results in lactate tests. At that time I was training with the Swedes and often communicated with their coach Johannes Lucas.
I never imagined that it was possible to get so many injuries, especially after suffering from COVID-19. It was like a wave that starts and then the next one comes.»
The Italian veteran, who has trained this season with the Swedes, will finally return to a very high level and will focus on the Olympic Games if all goes well.
«I used to be convinced that I would start and end my career in the same place, in Oberhof. But now I’m thinking about continuing to compete for another two years and participating in the 2026 Olympics.» (will be host in Italy)
Italian team
Men:
- Lukas Hofer
- Patrick Braunhofer
- Didier Bionaz
- Tommaso Giacomel
- Elia Zeni
Women:
- Rebecca Passler
- Hanna Auchentaller
- Beatrice Trabucci
- Samuela Comola
- Lisa Vittozzi
- Dorothea Wierer
