The Norwegian superstar Therese Johaug had all the biggest media in the Nordic countries in front of her in Ruka. Johaug talked about her husband’s help and her much changed everyday life as a mother.
14:51•Updated 15:26
Ruka World Cup competitions live on channels. The Ruka World Cup starts with the women’s ten-kilometer traditional skiing competition on Friday at 11:00 a.m. Live broadcast on TV2 and Areena from 10:45 a.m.!
HONEYMOON.
Norwegian skiing superstar Therese Johaug returns to the World Cup competitions on Friday after a 992-day break. A lot has changed in Johaug’s life since the last competition. She got married, got pregnant and had a child. However, the longing for competitions made the Norwegian, who had dominated cross-country skiing, return to real action.
When Johaug returned to the tracks at the end of November 2018 after a year and a half suspension, the Norwegian star held a press conference for the media at the airport.
This time too, all the biggest Nordic media are there, as Johaug now comments on his return in front of the Norwegian service truck.
– When I came here yesterday, I wondered what the hell I was doing here, Johaug smiled.
A stern message from the husband who rushed to help
The long-speculated comeback was sealed in August. Already in May there were very strong signs of this, when the Norwegian skiing legend who once competed at the same time as Johaug Marit Björgen and once coached Johaug Pål Gunnar Mikkelsplass became the coach of the Norwegian women’s national team.
However, a lot has happened since spring and August. Last week, Johaug told the Norwegian broadcaster NRK that he had to pull the “emergency brake.” He said that the two training times a day and the care of Kristin’s daughter were too much, and the total load exceeded his endurance. The situation brought Johaug to tears.
Johaug has also told how he hasn’t gotten enough sleep. The recovery of the Norwegian skiing star has slowed down. The responsibility has now been transferred to the spouse Nils Jakob For Hoff. He and his now one and a half year old daughter Kristin have moved to sleep in different rooms.
Hoff is responsible for putting the child to sleep. Hoff has also taken a break from his work as a doctor for several months, so that Johaug could fully invest in the life of an athlete. Johaug’s number one goal is to ski 50 kilometers in the traditional way at the Trondheim World Championships in March.
Urheilu asked Johaug what his spouse had said to Johaug before leaving for the opening of the World Cup.
– He said have fun. When you’re having fun, you race well. Just kick some ass! Johaug said with a smile.
According to the Norwegian star, everyday life as a mother has changed a lot since the previous competition years.
– I take him to kindergarten at eight in the morning. Then I go to practice, eat and take a shower. There are some meetings. Then back to training. Then I pick up the child at four. The days are tight, Johaug describes.
Interesting compliments to Ruka
36-year-old Johaug returned to skiing competitions last week in Beitostölen. She defeated Heidi Weng by 39 seconds in the traditional ten.
On the other hand, in the top ten, he lost to Weng by 0.6 seconds. In Finland, skiing experts have been skeptical about Johaug’s condition, while in Norway, skiing experts were uncontrollably praising Johaug after his overwhelming victory in the traditional kimpi race.
Johaug himself has a calm attitude towards his first World Cup games of the season. Swedish Ebba Andersson Johaug names the traditional ten in Ruka as the biggest favorite for Friday’s opening trip.
– I’m not sure if I’m okay. I think the condition was good in Beitostölen. Kympi’s traditional was at a good level. I know the other girls are fine. I think the other girls are better able to fight for the win. Of course I’m fighting for first place, but I don’t think I’m in the same top condition as a couple of years ago, says Johaug.
When Johaug last raced in Ruka in November 2021, that race is remembered for the Norwegian’s defeat. Swedish Frida Karlsson stretched to victory at that time.
However, according to Johaug, he has many good memories of Ruka.
– There is a good atmosphere here. We have small apartments on the slope, from which we can only go directly to the track. There are hard and nice race tracks here, Johaug gushed to and threw in one more wild card among his praise.
– Santa Claus is always here. This is a good start to the World Cup season.