Success for Petter Northug and Therese Johaug in Norway.
Now Anders Blomquist says what no Swede wants to hear.
– I think that many who are today in the world elite would be annoyed, says the SVT expert.
There has long been talk of a truly sensational comeback in cross-country skiing for two of the sport’s all-time greats, Petter Northug and Therese Johaug. Next winter is the WC in Trondheim, which gives the icons motivation to make a bet towards a comeback. And this weekend both showed that they have what it takes.
Flower’s words about the icons
In Therese Johaug’s first official ski race since she ended her career and became a mother, she slaughtered all opposition in the three mile. Petter Northug, for his part, took a sensational second place in the team sprint. Now SVT expert Anders Blomquist believes that it would create ripples if the duo decided to bet against the WC.
– These are the two biggest stars who are coming back with luminosity outside of cross-country skiing and outside the world of sports as well. I think many who are today in the world elite would be annoyed, because they want the limelight for themselves. They don’t like that riders who have quit once come back, says the SVT expert.
Anders Blomquist believes, however, that Johaug and Northug in particular would add an enormous amount to cross-country skiing, and that the interest in next year’s WC would be enormous.
– But when it comes to those two, I think most people think it’s fun that they’re coming back, because they’ve meant so much to cross-country skiing, he says.
The words no Swede wants to hear
Blomquist is not surprised that they can both still perform so well. Instead, it’s something completely different that makes him react.
– If you have the motivation, you can still maintain a very, very high level in such an endurance sport as cross-country skiing. It’s not that strange. The strange thing is, after all the success and after all they have done, they have the fervor to train as much as it takes and continue to want as much, and dig deep when it takes. It is unique with Johaug and Northug.
Anders Blomquist is also sure that Johaug will challenge for medals when the World Championships await, if she decides to compete.
– As for Therese Johaug… she has the level. For her, it’s only about if she wants, if the family wants, and she wants to make the necessary investment. If she decides for it, then she will be one of the favorites when it’s time for the five-mile in the Trondheim WC, he says.
Blomquist also comments on Northug’s chances of reaching a WC squad.
– For Petter Northug, it’s a slightly different situation. What he did was amazing. Considering his age, sensationally good. But the Norwegian men are the best in the world. If you want to take a place there, it takes an incredible amount, and I don’t really think that Petter has the opportunity to do it at his age. But if he takes a place in the team, then you are one of the favourites.
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