Johann André Forfang, a 30-year-old ski jumper from Norway, is gearing up for his third Olympic appearance under difficult circumstances following the death of his father Hugo from cancer at the end of January. Reflecting on his experience, Forfang expresses the emotional challenge of balancing grief while participating in a high-stress competitive environment. He acknowledges that although he doesn’t expect the competition to heavily affect him, the memories of his father linger in his thoughts throughout his day-to-day life.

As he stands on the brink of competition in Predazzo, Forfang shares his feelings of sorrow and disbelief, especially when confronted with the reality of final goodbyes that await post-Olympics. The upcoming funeral should bring together family members for a collective farewell, which he hopes will provide some closure. Forfang's emotional struggles highlight the personal cost athletes can bear while performing at elite levels, revealing the intersection of sport and personal loss.

With supportive teammates around him, including Marius Lindvik, Forfang feels a sense of camaraderie that helps him navigate these tough times. The strong bonds within the team become a source of strength as he prepares to compete, reflecting a larger theme in sports of resilience and support amidst hardship.