Marlen Reusser reveals battle with long COVID: “For now the focus is on my health”
CyclingThursday, 26 September 2024 at 10:58
Swiss cyclist Marlen Reusser, one of the top riders in the
women’s peloton, is currently battling a prolonged illness after contracting
COVID-19. The 33-year-old, who rides for UCI Women’s World Team SD Worx–Protime, suffers from long COVID, which has severely impacted her
ability to train and race.
Reusser, a two-time stage winner at the Tour de France
Femmes (2022 and 2023), has been unable to compete this season due to the
effects of the illness. In an interview with Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen
(SRF), she opened up about her struggle, saying, “I am currently chronically
ill. There are times when things get better, but there are also times when
things get worse. I am not feeling well at the moment. I don't know if I am
afraid, but I am aware of the fact that there are people who will not get
better.”
Long COVID is a condition where symptoms of COVID-19 persist
for weeks or even months after the initial infection. It can affect multiple
organ systems and can leave athletes dealing with fatigue, shortness of breath,
and cardiovascular issues, all of which greatly impair their ability to perform
at a high level. For professional cyclists like Reusser, whose physical
condition is essential to competing, long COVID is especially devastating as it
leaves them unable to maintain the rigorous training and racing schedule
required to stay competitive.
Reusser emphasized the toll the illness has taken on her
career, leaving her sidelined from racing entirely. “It just takes a lot of
patience. For now, the focus is on my health. I have to fully recover first.
The important thing is that I feel healthy again soon,” she added.
The illness has caused her to miss several key events in
2024, including the Olympic Games, the Tour de France Femmes, and the UCI Road
World Championships in her home country of Switzerland. Despite these setbacks,
Reusser remains focused on recovery and is hopeful that she can return to
racing once her health improves.
Reusser’s absence has been felt across the women’s peloton,
as she has consistently been one of the top time trialists and stage race
riders in recent years. Her situation highlights the broader challenges that
long COVID presents for athletes, and her return to the sport will depend
entirely on her recovery.
For now, the cycling world will have to wait patiently for
Reusser’s return as she prioritizes her health over competition.
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I've had Long COVID for 4 yrs, agree with Gravelhead +4, & am running out of things to try to get better. Every single thing Reusser describes I have been there, done that, that has been long COVID for me. Seen and am still seeing multiple doctors, both holistic & Western medicine & they just don't know about it. I'm going to have to retire this month because I've used up all my medical leave. My heart breaks for her & everyone else with it. Don't get covid. It's not the flu or a cold. It can change your life in a heartbeat. Reusser's brave.
so sad for her and all affected
Long Covid does not last for “weeks or even months” - it can last indefinitely - many of us with Long Covid never got better and we are now chronically ill. Many of us were completely healthy, extremely fit, young, had no risk factors and had mild acute infections.
Long Covid can happen to anyone - from children to Olympic athletes and there is absolutely no guarantee of recovery.