Q&A: Noah Hoffman Recovering from Injury

BRECKENRIDGE, CO (Jan. 19, 2015) - When Noah Hoffman took a bad crash in the opening World Cup in Kuusamo, Finland, he didn’t expect to find his season in jeopardy. A broken fibula and a quick trip home meant just that. Now, Hoffman is putting himself back together and he's not counting anything out yet. We asked him a few questions on his injury, the recovery and what the rest of his season will look like. 

USSA: What exactly happened in Finland? 

NOAH HOFFMAN: The first World Cup of the year in Kuusamo, Finland was a 15k individual start classic race. The course was three laps of five kilometers, and the loop has one steep fast downhill that goes into a hard blind right-hand corner. On my third lap I lost control going around the corner and went into the fence. My right ski smashed into the fence and snapped in half. My left ski went through the fence, but I kept sliding. The ski twisted my left leg and I broke my fibula and tore some of the ligaments that connect the fibula to the tibia.

USSA: What have you been doing for training?

NH: Since I haven’t been able to bear weight on my leg, my coaches and I have had to be creative about my training. I’ve been doing a lot of workouts on a hand bike. Also, Concept 2 provided me with a SkiErg to use during my recovery; I’ve used it for all of my intensity sessions. I’ve also been swimming, which is a struggle because I’m not very proficient at it. During the last week I’ve been cleared to spin on a stationary bike, so that has been a nice addition. I’m mostly doing more volume training to build up my base for the second half of the season.

Hoffman stands in front of his SkiErg—the tool he's been using to train. (noahhoffman.com)

USSA: How do you feel physically?

NH: I feel that I’m recovering quickly, in great shape and excited for the second half of the season.

USSA: Who have you been getting support from during your recovery?

NH: I’ve been working with Dr. Thomas Clanton of the Steadman Clinic - one of the best foot and ankle doctors in the world. He did my surgery on December 4th. I feel very lucky to be working with him. I’ve also been working with Physical Therapist Ana Jeronimus-Robinson. She's a foot and ankle specialist, but is also is one of our team physical therapists who was with us at the Olympics in Sochi last winter and will be with us again at the World Championships this year. The situation could not have worked better. Lastly I’m being supported by my two personal coaches: John Callahan in Aspen writes my training plan and Zach Caldwell in Vermont works with me on technique.

USSA: How do you stay positive about your injury?

NH: It’s easy for me to stay positive because there are so many good things in my life. Not only am I incredibly well supported, but I also get to be back in Colorado during the winter for the first time in several years. I got to be with my family for Christmas and I’m getting to spend a lot of time with my girlfriend. Also it’s easy to stay positive because my recovery is going very smoothly and it’s not long until I get to race.

USSA: Do you have plans to race again this season?

NH: Yes, if things continue to go well I’ll be ready to go for the World Cups in stersund, Sweden and the World Championships.

USSA: What’s the hardest thing about having to sit out the first part of the season?

NH: The hardest thing about sitting out is looking up results and wondering how I would have done in each race, wishing I was there competing.

USSA: What advice do you have for younger skiers dealing with injuries?

NH: My advice for anyone dealing with an injury is that the number one priority is recovery. It’s hard to accept that you may lose fitness and strength, but being strong and fit doesn’t do you any good if you’re injured and can’t compete.

Thanks, Noah! Read more from Noah at his blog, www.noahhoffman.com.