Emma Varga

“There’s no guarantee that you can continue with elite sports, but the surgery is needed if you want to keep living an active life.”

Tears slowly lingered down my cheeks as the words echoed in my mind. There I sat, determined to prove everyone wrong. Mostly myself. I didn’t yet understand the journey that was awaiting me.

Two surgeries, months on crutches and endless pain made it hard to stay the energetic and positive version of myself. I’ve been angry, bitter, sad, anxious, hopeful and everything in between. There were days I barely got out of bed, days when even the simplest tasks felt impossible. I’ve been sad before, but this went deeper. It took a long time before I found my spark again.

At the beginning of this year, rehab was going really well, and I started to hear myself talk about racing again. Then, from one week to the next, my ankle gave up and the pain came back. Again.

This summer I decided to put my elite career on the shelf. It wasn’t the ending I envisioned. But that’s sports. Nothing is guaranteed, and in the end I have too many dreams in life to risk it all for a few more years of chasing this one.

The decision brought peace and pride. I did everything I could to come back, but it didn’t work out. And that’s okay. Because I know I truly gave it my all.

My last race crowned me Swedish champion. I’ve traveled to amazing places, met my people, and in the end I’ve put myself in a position to live a life I truly love.
Today I get to work within elite sports at one of the coolest cycling teams out there. I can run again, slowly, with Dino. I finished my degree, and the sun kisses my face almost every day. One dream was taken away, but so many others have come to life.

Thank you to my amazing coach @thell.andreas , who always believed in me, gave me space when I needed it and a kick in the butt when I doubted myself.

And to my family and my Love. My biggest supporters, who have always met me with unconditional love.

Finally, thank you to all the partners who believed in me throughout this journey.

It’s been a blast. 🩷