The health of the Olympic champion in cross-country skiing Veronika Stepanova, who on March 4 felt unwell at the finish line of the 30-kilometer race at the all-Russian competition “Champion Heights” in the Arkhangelsk region, is not in danger. This was stated to RIA Novosti by the doctor of the Russian team Roman Erlikhman.
Recall that Stepanova, who took ninth place in the race, fell into the snow immediately after the finish, but was conscious. She was provided with medical assistance, and the coach of the Russian national team Yegor Sorin called the ambulance staff. After a short time, the skier was carried away on a stretcher.
Erlikhman said that Veronika Stepanova will have to undergo diagnostics.
“We need to examine Veronika Stepanova and make a diagnosis. This is a common muscle spasm, which requires a more careful approach and the choice of drug therapy. She will be released, she is not in that critical history when you need to worry very seriously,” – said the doctor of the Russian team.
He added that the medical staff of the Russian team and ambulance staff are monitoring Stepanova’s state of health.
“Yes, she now needs medical attention and examination, but in general she will come to her senses soon. She is a strong girl with a young and strong body, the situation is under the control of the medical headquarters and ambulance doctors. There is absolutely no threat to her health,” – said Roman Erlikhman.
At the same time, the doctor found it difficult to answer the question of whether Veronika Stepanova would be hospitalized.
“It may look like an additional examination in the clinic. Maybe everything will end up at the level of emergency doctors and those antispasmodics that will quickly bring her back to normal. Will she be hospitalized? I can’t tell you for sure right now,” – said the specialist.
Despite this, the athlete still has to undergo an examination.
“Even if she travels to the nearest hospital and back, everything will be fine with her. She is a top-level athlete, and we now need to examine her in every possible way,” Erlichman concluded.
