Felix Monsén_ Raw Commitment
In 2021, Swedish alpine skier and speed events specialist Felix Monsén suffered a severe knee injury, which dramatically ended his season and kept him away from skiing for 16 months. The recovery period was so long that he chose to separate from the national team, and questions loomed as to whether he would ever compete again. But his love for and commitment to the sport remained as strong as ever, and he remained determined to make a comeback.
Here, we talk to him about what shaped his commitment.
Felix Monsén’s journey back to the slopes has been anything but straightforward. After enduring a severe knee injury that kept him away from skiing for 16 months, followed by ongoing back problems, the question of whether it was time to step away from the sport loomed heavily. Yet, Felix found that despite the physical setbacks and uncertainty, one thing was always clear: his passion for skiing remained undiminished.
“In May, prior to this season, I made the decision to persevere,” Felix recalls. “I felt I had yet to fully reap the rewards of the hard work I had put in during my recovery. Physically, my body didn’t feel worn out, and mentally, I still had a lot to give. It wasn’t a quick decision; it took time to consider, but once I committed, I had to act swiftly to turn my plans into reality.”
His commitment to continue competing didn’t just mean returning to the slopes—it meant rebuilding everything from the ground up. Without the support of a national team, Felix had to assemble a new support system. “I quickly realised this transition wasn’t just about securing financial support for my skiing; it involved assembling a dedicated team to assist me. I needed a coach, a serviceman, and a comprehensive training plan for the entire season,” he explains. For the first time, Felix had to manage these aspects independently, adding an extra layer of pressure to his already intense comeback.
Photo: Ski Team Sweden
But Felix’s determination to return to racing wasn't about proving others wrong or simply holding on to his career. It was about fulfilling his own potential, something he felt had been just within his grasp before disaster struck.
"Just before my injury, I felt I was on the verge of achieving my goals. Walking away from my career without reaching my potential would have felt like a defeat, and that has motivated me to continue, despite others suggesting I stop," he says.
Early in the 2021 season, Felix was recording some of his best times. He was on the cusp of fulfilling what he considered to be his full potential.
Over the World Cup race weekend in Val Gardena in December 2021, Felix crashed badly, resulting in a fully ruptured patella tendon and torn ligaments, severely damaging his whole knee. Rehabilitation would be a long and arduous process, requiring several rounds of surgery.
After more than a year of rehabilitation, and when he felt like progress was finally being made, a herniated disc brought another setback, requiring surgery after just one race back.
Despite these hurdles, Felix never wavered in his determination. His sights remained firmly set on competing at the highest level, and now, after overcoming two major injuries, he's making his comeback, with the 2026 Olympics firmly in his sights.
Felix has relentlessly pushed forward, undeterred by the obstacles in his path. This winter marks the beginning of yet another comeback, but this time, it feels different. With no national team structure to rely on, the journey became more personal, driven by an inner resilience.
“There were those who admired my strength but implied I should consider stepping back due to the toll on my body,” Felix admits. “Initially, that skepticism fuelled my determination to prove them wrong. Now, my motivation comes from within—I want to demonstrate to myself that I can still achieve my goals, regardless of external opinions.”
Felix’s return to the World Cup circuit hasn’t just been a test of his physical capabilities; it’s been an evolution in how he views risk. Downhill skiing is inherently dangerous, but Felix’s experiences with injury have made him approach it with a new mindset. In his younger years, he was willing to take risks without fully considering the consequences. Now, at 30, he approaches the sport with a calculated perspective, more focused on managing risks and trusting his instincts.
“Downhill skiing ultimately revolves around risk management—calculating which risks are worth taking and when to push limits,” Felix reflects. Experience has taught him when to step back and when to push forward, a skill that has only improved with time.
As the new season begins, Felix looks forward with a renewed sense of purpose. The lessons learned through countless hours of rehabilitation, both physical and mental, have shaped his approach not just to skiing, but to life. His story is no longer solely about athletic performance—it’s about commitment, resilience, and an unshakable belief in his ability to rise again, no matter how many times he’s knocked down.
Ready to face the World Cup once more, Felix is undistracted by past hardships, focused instead on the road ahead. His return is not just a comeback; it’s a testament to the power of commitment and self-belief, proving that the journey—however difficult—always reaps rewards.
“Everything pays off for the feeling I have at the finish line. I absolutely love this sport,” Felix says with a smile.
Photos by: POC Sports, Felix Monsén & Ski Team Sweden
