Niels Hintermann's Fight: Uphill Battle off the Slopes

Swiss alpine ski racer Niels Hintermann, 29, announced he will miss the 2024-25 season due to a lymph node cancer diagnosis. Despite this setback, he is hopeful for recovery with outpatient chemotherapy and radiotherapy planned. He aims to return to competition by the 2025-26 season.

Niels Hintermann, a distinguished Swiss alpine ski racer, has been diagnosed with lymph node cancer. At 29, Hintermann faces an unforeseen pause from his sporting career, ruling him out for the 2024-25 season. He will undergo outpatient chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with recovery potentially taking six months, according to Swiss Ski.

Hintermann has previously made his mark in downhill, super-G, and combined disciplines, finishing 16th in the men's downhill at the 2022 Winter Olympics. The news underscores the unpredictability of life, but Hintermann remains optimistic due to the cancer's curability and the strong support around him from family, sponsors, and medical professionals.

Swiss Ski's Chief Medical Officer, Walter O. Frey, expressed hope for Hintermann's return, aiming for the 2025-26 season if treatment proceeds as planned. The skiing community and his loved ones are united in overcoming this challenge.

(With inputs from agencies.)