Per Elofsson Has Retired

He explained that he has done what he could to get back. But he has been stopped by a cold every time he has pushed his body a little extra.

— It’s sad, but my body is still not responding to hard training. All options are used, said Elofsson in Wednesday’s press conference.

He denies that he has had motivational problems the last several years.

— Many have questioned my motivation, but I have had a desire to come back. I’m still burning for cross country skiing, but the physical limitations has made this decision unavoidable, says Elofsson

He is now hoping to use his knowledge to help other skiers.

Crushed by dopers?

Swedish media has speculated this week if Elofsson would retire. It’s now about two years since the Swede skied his last competition at high level.

The former Swedish national team coach, Magnar Dalen has a clear opinion about what crushed the Swedish ski star.

– The doping in the ski sport forced Elofsson to train even more. He was better than everyone that didn’t dope, said Dalen in an interview with Swedish Aftonbladet.

He is referring to the opening distance of the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City where Johann Muhlegg skied away from everyone with the Swede trying to hang on — for a short while. That was according to Dalen the start of Elofsson’s downturn. In that 30K freestyle race at Soldier Hollow, Elofsson eventually dropped off Muehlegg's pace and never recovered – in that race, in those Olympics, or in his career.

Dalen has no doubt which position Elofsson would have had without the factor of the doper Muhlegg.

– Few athletes can handle the training Elofsson went through. He would still be among the World Cup elite if it wasn’t for the dopers. The dopers became his downfall, says Magnar Dalen