The medical condition of short track star Lara van Ruijven has deteriorated. The world champion in the 500 meters was admitted seriously ill last week in a French hospital in Perpignan.
There it turned out that Van Ruijven is struggling with an immune system disorder. Serious complications arose over the weekend, including internal bleeding. The 27-year-old short track star has now had surgery twice, but this has not improved her situation. Her condition is still critical.
Artificial coma
Van Ruijven stays in intensive care, where she is kept artificially in a coma. It is expected that this situation will not improve for the time being.
“Lara is currently fighting for her life,” said Jeroen Otter, head coach of the Dutch short trackers, in a press release. “With incredible perseverance, she has won the world title on the ice, but this battle is much more difficult. We all sympathize with her and hope with all our heart that she will come out well.”
Van Ruijven stayed with the national short track selection for a training camp in the French Font Romeu. The national team will stay there for the time being to support Van Ruijven.
In recent days, there have been many expressions of support for the short track star. Her family says from France that these reactions are also a huge support for them. “We are very grateful to everyone for that,” says Van Ruijven’s father.
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