Tom Hilde was in a good mood and surprisingly fit at a press conference in Garmisch-Partenkirchen two days after his fall in the opening event of the 4-Hills-Tournament. After the Norwegian spent a night in the hospital he could even take part in the New Year's dinner together with his teammates. "Actually I'm doing pretty well because I got only good news concerning my injury. Surgery is not necessary and I can move without any pain and help. Breaking your spine doesn't hurt as much as you think it would", said the 24-year-old.
Team captain Clas Brede Brathen was also relieved. "Of course we are very happy. It was extremely important for the rest of the team that Tom is now here again and it also tells a lot about Tom's character as a teamplayer that he wanted to be there for the dinner." His teammates were more worried than himself, told Tom Hilde. He received a lot of calls and text messages and was welcomed by his teammates with enthusiastic high-fives when he returned to the hotel.
News: Hilde fractured a vertebrae »
Hilde is also aware of the fact that the fall was his fault. "In ski jumping you always try to get a few meters more. I'm 24 years old and I ski since I'm four. I should have been able to stand this jump. That's almost as if you miss a penalty in soccer... and break your spine doing that."
He can remember almost every detail of the fall, he told. "At first I couldn't breath because there was snow much snow in my face and in my mouth. I realized right away that something is not okay but I couldn't tell where it hurts. At least I was able to move everything and was relieved that there was no danger of a paralysis." In the ambulance mainly his face hurt and then also the back. "But then they gave me painkillers and nothing hurt anymore", he smiles.
Report about the competition in Oberstdorf »
Despite all the good news, the season is probably over for the 24-year-old. He will return home to Norway on Monday and then discuss the next steps after additional x-ray examinations of his badk and his knee. "I will always remember this fall but I don't think that it will be a problem mentally", Hilde remains optimistic.
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