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Johanna Puff Diagnosed With Myocarditis, Pauses Competition

Doctors have ordered an initial four-week rest with re-evaluation to follow, leaving her Olympic bid uncertain.

Overview

  • The 23-year-old collapsed on an ascent during an IBU Cup race in Obertilliach on December 7 and was taken to hospital, according to a teammate’s account.
  • She disclosed the diagnosis on Instagram and said she will step back from training and racing for the coming weeks.
  • Westfälischer Anzeiger reports a four-week training halt followed by medical checks to determine if she can resume activity.
  • Reports note typical myocarditis symptoms such as fatigue, fever and shortness of breath, and warn that exertion can cause heart failure or lasting damage.
  • Puff, a double European champion in 2025 who already missed the German championships in September due to illness, now faces jeopardized near-term goals including Olympic qualification.