The Disease That Took Down a World Champion | Emil Johansson’s Story

[@Danny_MacAskill]

Amazing to see Emil back on the podium at Crankworx ! Even more impressive after watching this.

[@tbmx5685]

Why has nobody replied

[@66promo13]

Bro i love your content even if its not that cool i like it ily ❤

[@waynedesmond9318]

Yesss Danny

[@austrailalanmtb7557]

Amazing to see people so brilliant that they even outshine the most unfortunate circumstances. Respect!

[@greengalic9385]

So happy man

[@jackhanson3649]

This is hands down the most inspiring story I've ever heard. Keep crushing it Emil, your unstoppable!

[@RedBullBike]

Ain't no stopping this guy!

[@nikowithk]

Check the Story of Ken Roczen. It's very inspiring too. He had a big crash at an Ama Supercross race and almost had lost his arm. He fights back a long hard way and now he is also a championchip contender again.

[@mitchellmtb7202]

So you haven’t heard Martyn Ashton’s story.

[@raeward8092]

@@mitchellmtb7202 the difference between Emil and Martyn is that one is thriving in spite of a life changing injury, the other is triumphing over a debilitating illness. They both have inspiring stories but for very different reasons

[@jacob.rausch]

*you're

[@elijulpaquin]

9:19... the dream of every kid that grew up doing any action sports... brought tears to my eyes !!

[@2wheeledhooligan732]

pause - compose - play.. get you there never knew him till now, i hate to see anyone suffer.

[@philipp_edr6774]

i cried

[@shredwithfil489]

Ive always wanted one

[@bradybuhler9103]

Definitely the best part

[@park_rat_matt]

When Martin and Brandon handed Emil his red bull helmet I was almost in tears. Brandon's words about Emil being on the top are coming true. Emil is such a humble rider and its amazing to see him smile again.

[@JustMe-gs9xi]

i was diagnosed with that when i was in my 20's. one dr called it EBV,, and the other called it CFS,, chronic fatigue syndrome....,, i was told it comes from too much, stress, work, lack of sleep,,, not enough nutrition,,, or skipping meals,, not enough REST... just pushing your self for years or months,,, And your adrenal glands just get burnt out,, because there is a limit of how much you can rely on adrenaline and that is what those extreme sports use,,,,,,, I remember my pile of supplements,,, being home just wanting to sleep (for a year or 2),,, it's a tough thing,,,, You have to rebuild your whole body,,,

[@universaltruth2025]

Do you recall if you had any vaccines in the months prior to becoming unwell in your 20s?

[@florence1395]

Just Me I’m much older than you I expect? I’m in my 3rd decade, over 30 years! I started off with cfs/then hormone problems from two horrid operations then diagnosed with fibromyalgia a awful illness, horrendous...............You can look ok, but you feel you are dying!

[@ahti29]

You are just trying to make yourself interesting.

[@keirfarnum6811]

Just Me I developed ME/CFS in 1993. It didn’t matter how much I tried to ride (I was only able to do a fraction of what I was able to do before getting sick) I just never improved and never got back to anything resembling normal. Although the adrenal glands do play a major role in the pathophysiology of the illness (they have discovered the adrenal glands actually shrink) one of the main elements researchers have discovered is a heart infection that causes the left ventricle to pump less blood to the body. The inability to get to deep sleep (the alpha-delta wave sleep anomaly) has been discovered to be caused by a micro-seizure every couple of seconds (by an EEG specialist named Dr. Frank Duffy) and this micro-seizure also brilliantly explains why ME/CFS patients experience serious cognitive symptoms; serious enough to cause an average 25% drop in IQ with the main deficits occurring in verbal and performance IQ. Imagine if someone was standing behind you 24 hours a day with a rubber mallet and every 2.5-3 seconds they bonked you on the head; it would disrupt your attention, interfere with memory formation because your attention and train of thought was constantly being diverted, and with new thoughts constantly entering your head, it would make you extremely impulsive. My own IQ dropped by 30% and I can recall a number of symptoms and circumstances that directly reflect the occurrence of this micro-seizure. And of course we experience not just physical pain being caused by muscle stiffness (due to heart and vascular dysfunction affecting blood flow to the muscles) but also neuropathic pain caused by damage to the dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglion in the spinal cord (something that occurs in a number of identified types of fibromyalgia.) There are all kinds of weird neurological symptoms that I have experienced: muscle twitches and spasms all across the body, limb jerks, photoscobia (like a bright flash at the top of the visual field; as though someone set a photo flash off right on your head,) and all kinds of other bizarre symptoms. And I definitely experienced that “wired tired” exhaustion from the adrenal exhaustion too. The harder you push and try to be active, the worse the wired tired fatigue gets. For two decades, I couldn’t take a nap to save my life. It is an unending hell on earth. Studies have found that ME/CFS has the lowest quality of life of any chronic disease ever measured (that’s not to say there aren’t worse individual cases of diseases, but as a group, it’s the worst.)

[@keirfarnum6811]

Stellaria I got sick in 1993 and muddled along for 4.5 years until I had a severe worsening in the first week on December 1997. After I finally got diagnosed, I read an article about how the Hepatitis B vaccine can worsen the condition of people with ME/CFS and I remembered I had a Hep B vax around that time. When I went to check on the date of my first vaccine injection, I was astounded to discover it was literally on November 29! Right when I had the severe worsening of my condition. It was uncanny! There is definitely a connection to vaccines for some people.

[@julianmoore6571]

so much respect bro and keep on grinding!!!

[@JimmyCasino]

"I was crying, I was laughing, I was just everything"... and I was only watching a Redbull story on youtube

[@Momo_15-01]

It’s not just a red bull story.

[@levistanfield7908]

I KNOW RIGHT

[@luislopez1800]

At 21:00 I totally lost it when Emil is so emotional you see the girl interviewing him getting emotional as well.

[@ronkeren8930]

This story of a young legend is so emotional and inspiring. Emil is a role model for every kid who has a dream. He is proving once again that he is still strong(physically and mentally). Keep it going and good luck in innsbruck. Much Love from Israel🇮🇱

[@nosreuter]

RESPEKT och TACK Emil, för att du delar detta med världen, det är en verklig styrka att kunna visa sig svag, du är en grym inspiration, lycka till med Crankworx och SÅ mycket mer som du har framför dig!!!

[@ratihjuniartimaulida6190]

You are a motivation for everyone that suffers from a disease. At 18, I was diagnosed with hypolordosis and this make me in pain everytime I sit, walk, or doing any moving activities. I need to take neural medicine for about 3 months and going for physiotherapy for about 9 months. Since then, I slowly started to working out to make my body stronger so I can enjoy live my life. And now I'm 21, I feel so much better than before. As long as you don't give up, commit to yourself, God will always beside us. KEEP CHASING YOUR DREAM BRO!

[@DiegoooTech]

Fight for you and us Emil. Everybody needs you on the bike. An inspiration. Respect.

[@MrSasuke67]

After watching the whole video that Crankworx comeback in 2018 with Emil crying at the end brought tears to my eyes !! Such big emotions after all the bad stuff that happened ! We all wish you the best for the rest of your carrier Emil !!

[@mabelcarpenter308]

I can't take the damn "doctor" seriously since he said hes a paid actor

[@TheLastProzacNation]

The thing I love most about this is the love of this community. In many fields if a champion goes down the others cheer, here, they really genuinely wanted him to come back and he did it.

[@Humanaut.]

I admire that his "adversaries and competitors" were not hostile or mean spirited in any way. Such good sportsmanship and human-ship.

[@deekaymeatcalf7475]

This Guy is a so much Inspiration for every Rider who have a big Crash and a hard Comeback to the Sport that we Love. Thanks Emil

[@Melmanthemd]

I'm speechless he's so determine with his goal😭💖...as I'm an autoimmune patient myself and I'm pursuing my dream as medical student for now ✨

[@raeward8092]

Emil may no longer want his health to be a topic of conversation and I don’t blame him, but there’s something else at play here: the inspiration and hope that he has handed to every chronic disease fighter around the world that you absolutely can do and be more than just your list of symptoms and medications. It’s something I’ll be holding in mind every time my asthmatic lungs battle another chest infection. Dear Emil, be your best self but remember that your history is part of what will inspire the next generation of groms. Health absolutely does not have to hold anyone back.

[@anotherrealm4714]

I have Hashimoto 's disease and I can relate to how crappy he was feeling. It's crippling! I'm glad he could come back and manage his illness.

[@EekZombies]

I have it too. Totally changed my life. I’m not as active as I used to be but I still try to exercise when I feel up to it.

[@jacksdaddy13]

Thanks for sharing, Emil. Congrats on your insane 2nd run at Innsbruck the other day, incredible strength of mind and character. All the best for your strong future in Mtb.

[@Fotomotion_garage]

Every kid should watch this. Never stop fighting for what you love. I applaud your passion and strength! #emilstrong

[@Trindal]

I didn’t really expect for this to bother me as much as it did... I’ve had surgeries and physical therapy and so much other crap. Even after the surgeries I’ve still been in lots of pain. I hurt from mid/lower ack to my feet. I trip and fall, I can’t stand or walk very long. Sitting upright hurts and having to change so much of my life really gets to me. I’m sorry you’ve had to go through this, but I’m glad your doing better and are back doing what you love. Gives me a small glimmer of hope. Best of luck.

[@TheEquilibriate]

Have you tried DDP yoga? theres an app from the wrestler that guides you though it. He helped people before who could hardly walk and after much work they could run again, check it out dude, hope it can maybe help you.

[@florence1395]

J K Wishing you well.

[@jackofthetrees]

It's awesome how you've overcome your autoimmune disease!! I feel your struggle Emil with a few autoimmune issues of my own. Hope you can stay in remission and put those hard times behind you.

[@chrisgarty]

Indeed... an inspiring story for those of us struggling with as she says @16:20 "the internal problems" like EBV, Hashimotos, and Lyme. Keep fighting!

[@JUMPstudio1]

so much respect for him and its the most emotional documentary short movie produced for slopestyle rider - Get back stronger this year Emil, good luck in Innsbruck

[@darrenarnold3520]

Amazing dude haven't been so happy to see someone back on the bike hope it stays that way for you

[@WhatTheKorea]

I was a marathoner with over 60 races under my belt ...then I got lupus and erythromelalgia. It was hard to quit

[@merlinazz]

I have erhytromelalgia too!! Got lyme and then erhytromelalgia

[@WhatTheKorea]

merlinazz omg it’s the worst! It has completely taken over my life

[@LifeofJY]

Inspiring story. I’m a professional thrower for track and field dealing with constant back injuries and been feeling down and out since the most recent flare up. This got me fired up!

[@NicolasWilliamHughes]

John Tomac, Anne-Caroline Chausson, Steve Peat, Hans Ray, Martin Ashton, Danny MacAskill, Brandon Semenuk, and Emil Johansson. Added to the list of most inspiring mountain bike riders ever!

[@hugodoucet2872]

Thanks Emil!! For everything you are giving us, as a person, as a rider! You are a true champion brother!!

[@brookproductions.]

This is one of the best and most inspirational things I’ve seen in a long long time. Respect to you, Emil. Show us how to rule Innsbruck. You deserve the crown bro. 👊🏼💪🏼

[@lisannstrang900]

Haydnbrook 03 hhhhgttthgge 

[@lisannstrang900]

Haydnbrook 03 hhhhgttthgge

[@JakeOlsonTheSnake]

this was so well put together,,,, wow! being held back from a sport or hobby because of health complications, or anything else, is devastating. glad to see he's doing a lot better. I've been on and off my bike(s) for various reasons throughout the past year, and the feeling of being back in the ring is alike no other. All the stoke in this video made me weep, from relating to the struggle, to just seeing emil's joy after all of his progress!

[@soulyamilk]

Damn I don't even know much about the biking scene, but this dude's journey is so inspirational. I found myself tearing up from his story. I'm rooting for you, Emil!

[@slamonfpv]

I got chronic fatigue at 30 I continued riding bmx and motos till 38 full time.now I'm 48 and fatigue is my biggest problem along with old injurys that didn't heal.i pushed myself so hard in my 20s competing with injury I think it contributed to my cf.thank god this young man has the best help out there.the depression that hits when you can't ride is destructive.emil has the talent of a superstar wish you all the best bro.

[@Who.is.Clinton]

You are so inspiring mate, typing this with tears flowing. Redbull is so so so fortunate to have you on their team. A one in a billion sportsman.

[@garrysimmons9369]

Emil you are an inspiration. Keep fighting it so you can show all of us what is possible on a bike.

[@bangaloretrailrider2472]

He pulls a superman into tuck no hander on the EBV and Hashimoto at one go! There is no looking back for Emil. Inspirational!

[@seanwalsh3052]

So stoked for you dude! Can't wait for this weekend to watch you shred in Innsbruck!🤘🏻

[@TheStreetsMan87]

Its so good to see him riding again, such a big talent. He enriches this sport.

[@nathanmuller9259]

I’ve never really paid much attention to this sport before tbh. Jan 2020 I developed a mystery illness too which was never diagnosed until late September this year. I have EBV as well and it has taken me down a real scary path. A friend recommended this documentary to me and it made me so emotional because I felt so alone suffering from this illness and I have never been sure of what comes next and how to treat the issue. This documentary has given me so much hope and made me feel like I’m not alone, thank you

[@middleagedmediocremountain4767]

Inspiring, brought me to tears. Who in the world gives thumbs down to this? Loved it...now rooting for him!

[@yolanvanherpe3359]

Alll the respect to Emil. Recovering from that disease must've been so damn hard. It was this guy that ispired me to start riding bikes. You're the best

[@astletruscott6291]

I didn't cry when he finished his run at Whistler you did

[@vantastroganoff4370]

Yea Whistler For.some Strangr reason Bikin losing cool spot Lately..u hardly see kids with hardcore bike around like mid 2000

[@dbs2428]

@@vantastroganoff4370 ?

[@heatherzlotyh7267]

Truly inspirational story! I suffer with chronic debilitating back pain myself and I’ve had my career taken from me so I can relate in some small way to him I’m so glad that his disease is manageable and that he can do what he loves again. What an amazing young man

[@victormurphy7956]

This kid is a beast!! Emil! Don't stop blowing our minds!

[@Doot_Hunter]

Emil is such a God man. He went from having an amazing time on a bike, to not being able to ride because of a disease, THEN he worked through it was is now able to ride. I'm so happy hes able to ride!

[@GreatScott8231984]

Hell yeah dude 🤘🏼 keep on keeping on. Fight the good fight. Feel and spread the love. Ride or Die ⚡

[@DerEmrich]

Very emotional. I´m really stoked to see you riding in the future!

[@MrDcas1126]

You are the superman to all aspiring future slopestyle MTB riders...! You have defied the odds!!!!

[@samwise7029]

Very inspiring to watch. I'm not as young as this legend but being diagnosed with a Psoriatic Arthritis (another Auto immune disease) at 34 is still very crushing. So glad he's getting the right treatment and just getting on with life. I'm back riding too. It hurts but doing nothing is worse! keep it up mate!!!

[@turtle170378]

Much respect Emil, you're an inspiration

[@SmillerO]

huge thumbs up for the doctors and people around him.

[@timgrant4519]

Well done Emil. I didn't really know much about you till now. I shall certainly be following you now. Good luck and Godspeed. To do this film must of taken really effort and and energy. Glad you did. Inspiring and humble. 🤟

[@Jeybels]

Crazy, what a heavy and inspiring story. Keep riding bikes, and so what makes you happy

[@northstar7501]

Keep grinding Emil! There is life on the bike after the competition is done. I’m in my 50’s and still hit the trails as much as I can and has kept me healthy and strong. With fat tire bike now am riding year round in northern Minnesota. keep your head up for sure.

[@sone1024]

I hope that story helps others as much as its helping me. Who knew you can slip into the dark so easily after shining so bright. For all those out there with health struggles. There's nothing like a comeback!

[@dragonflythemusician]

I'd love to see his smile as permanent as his rides. Great film too!

[@drappennen5704]

You can’t not respect Emil immensely knowing what he’s overcome to be who he is today. Thank you Red Bull for standing by him.

[@mrtominboulder]

I wish you all the success in the world young man. Sorry to hear of your setbacks and so glad you getting it figured out!

[@rsanoian]

So good to see you back on the bike Emil, look forward to seeing you on the podium!

[@MrFreerideForever]

Nice one Red Bull. I'm so envious of Emil's determination & lucky to get to watch the results of it.

[@decristion]

I also have the same issues as Emil and also got diagnosed with EBV. Im so amazed that he overcame this.

[@alexandersillan8139]

I’m so glad that Emil found what the issue is and is able to treat it. I have chronic pain and they can’t even find the issue, it sucks, it does make you depressed when you can’t function regularly. I am so glad he can get the treatment he needs

[@joseledesma4776]

Teared up a bit watching this. I recently fractured my collarbone mountain biking (I know, no big deal to a lot of people). 4 weeks after, I rode today for the first time. It was just a quick spin around our community but it felt really good. Riding bicycles is really magical.

[@funkyduck4743]

One of my favourite riders! You are awesome Emil!

[@garrettjudd1631]

I actually cried after watching this. This is power and determination at its finest.

[@MrEtnie]

Dude. So happy for you, that you are being treated and in good hands. Surely a work in progress, but you can get it. Keep the spirits high and never stop fighting.

[@davidbialousow9479]

Amazing story. Very inspirational. I have autoimmune disorder so I can totally relate. Being able to do everything and all the sudden deteriorating.Worst part is not knowing exactly what is happening to your body, but you know something is not normal. The second thing is learning how to live with pain in your body. Glad everything worked out and that Emil never gave up.

[@TheSkyyvod]

such a wholesome moment when they give him the redbull helmet

[@hanno8705]

What's the meaning of that?

[@cameronnock1646]

@@hanno8705 sponsored by redbull

[@hanno8705]

@@cameronnock1646 thanks :)

[@SeanAnthony2025]

@@hanno8705 It's like a formula one driver getting that Ferrari contract

[@hanno8705]

@@SeanAnthony2025 Thanks for that Sean, I think I got it now :-)

[@rob.ny-la]

Love this guy man. I’m so grateful he’s doing this in my lifetime. Really inspirational.

[@h3dfx]

What an absolute legend! Don't let anything stop you my man...

[@samvilla6290]

You are the ultimate person You started off nowhere and then you worked super hard and became a world champion Then you got diagnosed with a bad disease but you preserved and now you live your dream life

[@jonocoy2575]

So much respect! Thanks redbull and thanks emil! keep fighting!

[@philipsiebenhaar1674]

I met him on the way to whistler. Such a nice dude. Keep riding

[@CrispinJrOrtiz]

You made me cry Emil more powers to you!

[@jkelmtb8908]

No matter what happens Emil will always an amazing rider and nothing can get in his way to stop him from doing what he loves keep up the good work Emil

[@niceenough9871]

This serves as motivation for any injury I've ever sustained. Emil is a freakin hero!

[@bikelounge7837]

Emil is hands down the best rider that has touched a bike keep fighting we love you

[@warofages4498]

Never even heard of this kid but his story is amazing and true to heart. Keep it up kid nothing stoping you know🤘🙏

[@TheDennisRobb]

So much respect for him, able to go through all that and come out on top. Amazing!

[@rpineanew]

Wow. Inspiration in its purest form. Sych a genuine and sincere man.

[@goopah]

I had no interest in bikes, but got here because my girlfriend is in the middle of being diagnosed with some kind of auto-immune disease that is currently unknown until further testing. She is in constant pain, her limbs are going numb, and she's confused and scared. And she's getting hopelessly depressed because so far, the doctors don't know what they are up against. I accidentally ran across this video, and showed it to her. While her condition is still unknown, this video has cheered her up greatly, as it has shown her that there may possibly be light at the end of the tunnel. So I give my thanks to the makers of this video (and to Emil). It gave her hope, when she had none before.

[@varietylife6847]

Very touching story. This young man is incredible, strong and full of passion. He is amazing! Thank you for sharing his story. Very inspired.

[@nickmihai]

Keep up the good work dear Emil! The passion, cycling will heal you. See you champ!

[@WattWireNet]

Amazing story of greatness, despair, resilience, comeback, and a miracle of modern medicine. I want those German docs if I ever get sick!

[@_shipp_9421]

After seeing emil perform in my home town rotorua I just fell into a giant fan for him I just hope he gets better

[@vislabakais]

Huge respect and best wishes for no boundary results big man!

[@PeanutPearBear]

This champ is what people call: A LEGEND

[@niallkirrane746]

Very emotional and great vid.Keep on riding Emil u legend 🚵‍♂️

[@charlierice847]

Its hard not to cry watching this, great video redbull and keep it up Emil!

[@paulvanross4783]

Absolute legend! Awesome work Emil and team, a real up and down of the mind and great to see such a strong comeback!!!

[@wesleybailey4128]

A true inspiration to succeed in the sport you love. I can not wait to see what is to come!!

[@jaydenn1303]

This could easily be a movie. A great movie. Well done Emil!

[@karid.4371]

Really well done documentary. Can't wait to google him now in July 2020 and see what he's been up to. I love documentaries that draw you into the story, make you care about the people in it and this one did that in a short amount of time.👏🏻

[@karamaschi6797]

This is such a heartwarming and inspiring story. I'm so happy for Emil and I wish him much luck.

[@kapiteinnugter]

What an amaxing story... I really had to drop some tears at the joyride part. Huge respect for this guy who never gifs up♥️

[@joer5023]

Amazingly inspirational and heartwarming! Keep on shredding Emil you've made some impact with this video and a fan here!!!

[@arviddistner3017]

Keep grinding bro! What a journey, just a few people would be able to go through that and still come back! 🔥🙌🤙🤯

[@khalilrazak6486]

What amazing talent and a humble guy. Best of luck for the future and keep fighting and keep riding.

[@jonatannordlander]

Du är en riktig kämpe Emil!

[@t-woodpeckers1185]

"I'm still able to ride a bike" dafuq is his definition of riding bike :D

[@necrodefecator]

I thought exactly the same :D

[@ashotatori7081]

I'm new to mountain biking but one day I want to be like him so inspiring

[@hle6391]

@@ashotatori7081 just put your heart and soul into it and start at early age