Norwegian Olympic hope Ida Lien diagnosed with a slipped disc: “Things are still uncertain”

Norwegian biathlete Ida Lien (28) revealed earlier this week that she will miss the season‑opening races in Geilo. On Thursday evening she announced on Instagram that medical examinations have confirmed a herniated (slipped) disc in her back after recurring issues throughout the autumn.

“It wasn’t the way I wanted to start the season. After a lot of trouble with my back this fall, I’ve now been diagnosed with a herniated disc,” she wrote. “I’m now going through different treatments in the hope of avoiding surgery, but things are still uncertain. I still don’t know when I’ll be back on the start line, but I hope it won’t be too long. Best of luck with the season to my teammates and competitors. See you soon.”

Earlier in the week she told TV 2 that the Geilo opener this weekend was off the table. Lien has struggled with back problems for several years. She made her Olympic debut at Beijing 2022, where she was part of the Norwegian women’s relay team that finished fourth.

The setback arrives as she aims toward the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. For now, her return date remains open while she and the medical team assess whether conservative treatment can resolve the issue without surgery.