Niels Hintermann To Miss 2024/25 Competition Season Due To Health Reasons

Swiss Alpine skier Niels Hintermann announced today that he will miss the upcoming 2024/25 season as he faces significant health challenges.

During a press conference organized by Swiss-Ski in Zurich, Hintermann shared his experiences as he was diagnosed with a lymph node cancer, the fears he faced and continues to face, and his outlook for the future.

While on training camp in South America, Hintermann noticed a lump on his neck, and tests conducted upon his return to Switzerland revealed a type of lymph node cancer, a tumor situated on the left side of his neck, just below the collarbone.

"At first, sport takes a back seat. It was about survival and life, because that's what you associate with the word cancer"candidly said the 29-year-old from Zurich, who has been reassured by his doctors that there is no imminent danger to his life. Hintermann had not experienced any symptoms prior to the diagnosis; it was only during a physiotherapy session that a swollen lymph node was discovered. "Fortunately, we reacted quickly"

Swiss-Ski doctor Walter O. Frey confirmed that the cancer was detected at an early stage, with no metastases present, which is promising news regarding his prognosis. The aim now is to eradicate the bad cells completely

Despite the seriousness of his situation, Hintermann remains optimistic"It still feels awful, but there are a lot of positives, especially that it was discovered early and is easily treatable."

He acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasized his determination to remain confident throughout the process. The goal is to resume training with the team by August 2025.

Hintermann will undergo outpatient chemotherapy and radiotherapy in Zurich, a treatment that is expected to take around six months. He explained that the chemotherapy will be administered through infusions lasting three to four hours, followed by two weeks of recovery at home. Fatigue is anticipated as a side effect, but Hintermann remains hopeful that maintaining his athletic regimen will help mitigate some of the challenges.

"Unfortunately, this is another example of how unpredictable and unplannable life is. The diagnosis is shocking, but I am infinitely grateful that this type of cancer is very curable and that I can count on the tremendous support of my wife, family, sponsors, the federation, and my doctors. We are all pulling together, and this will give me the strength to get through this difficult time."