Following tragic loss, Mattias Hargin returns to training

By Published On: August 29th, 2016Comments Off on Following tragic loss, Mattias Hargin returns to training

Swedish slalom specialist Mattias Hargin made his return to the national team at a training camp in Saas Fee, Switzerland, this week after the tragic passing of his wife, professional freeskier Matilda Rapaport, earlier in the summer.

After marrying in April, the couple spent only three short months together before Rapaport lost her life in July after slipping into a coma following an avalanche while filming in Chile.

The Instagram photo caption reads: “Thanks for all the support and love last week. It warms my broken heart. I did not know what picture I would put up, but this is the image that both makes me most sad and most happy at the same time. It is extremely strong! I will now take my time in peace and quiet with close family and friends to process and get through this in the best way. Take care of yourselves.”

Following a period of mourning, the Swedish star says he is now ready to return to the slopes and train with the national team.

“I’ve had tremendous support since the accident and feel great appreciation for the love, support and respect I have experienced. Now I’m ready to go back to skiing,” Hargin said. “Today begins a restart for my season along with my teammates and coaches on the alpine ski team. I hope to focus my attention and energy on this.”

Hargin and Rapaport shared a mutual love for skiing and Hargin made it clear that he still has that passion, even after experiencing such a tragic loss. Currently the 14th ranked slalom skier in the world, he looks to make his way back to the top of the World Cup this coming season.

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About the Author: Sean Higgins

A Lake Tahoe native and University of Vermont graduate, Higgins was a member of the Catamounts' 2012 NCAA title winning squad and earned first team All-American honors in 2013. Prior to coming to Ski Racing Media, he coached U14s for the Squaw Valley Ski Team.