Heart Muscle Inflammation: Long Break for Biathlete Puff - Heart Muscle Inflammation: Long Break for Biathlete Puff
German biathlete Johanna Puff will take an extended break from competition after a serious health scare. The athlete collapsed during a race in December and has since been diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. Her Olympic hopes have now been shattered by the condition.
Puff’s health issues began on December 7, when she collapsed during an IBU Cup race in Obertilliach, Austria. She was immediately hospitalised for tests and observation. Doctors later confirmed a diagnosis of myocarditis, forcing her to halt all training and competition.
The 28-year-old had already faced setbacks earlier in the season. She failed to qualify for the World Cup opener in Östersund, missing a key opportunity to earn points. Now, with her diagnosis, she must observe a multi-week training hiatus to allow her heart to recover. No details have been released about the specific medical team overseeing her treatment. However, her health remains the top priority, with no timeline set for her return to sport.
Puff’s diagnosis has ruled her out of contention for the upcoming Olympic Games. She will focus on recovery, with her future in biathlon uncertain until further medical assessments. The extended break means she will miss the remainder of the current season.
