PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Therese Johaug has hinted at a return to cross-country skiing.
Then Frida Karlsson worries.
– Is that a little scary, she says to Nettavisen.
Norwegian Therese Johaug, 35, was the skater to beat when she was active. With a total of 18 gold medals in the Olympics and WC, 64 World Cup victories, and 109 podiums during her career, she is one of the best skiers of all time.
Johaug’s thoughts on return
In May, Johaug, together with his partner, had their first child. At the beginning of September, she then opened up about a comeback to cross-country skiing. 2025 is the WC in Trondheim, and the 35-year-old is not closing the door on participating in the championship.
– I haven’t completely scrapped the WC in Trondheim, but right now my focus is not there. My focus is on the everyday here and now and on being a good mother. I don’t compete in the WC if I can’t be there and fight for medals, said Johaug in an interview with NRK.
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Swedish Frida Karlsson24, has been made well aware of Johaug’s plans for a comeback.
– The rumors have spread, they have reached me. But it’s just fun, we know what Therese has done and it’s a pretty clear yardstick. It would be fun to get her back if it turns out that way, says Karlsson during a press conference.
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“Been a carrot”
Frida Karlsson is also a successful skier, but has a few medals left to win to get up to Johaug’s level. Since the Norwegian quit, that task has been made easier. But the competition between the riders has affected their relationship.
– It has always been a bit special, but fun like that. It has been a carrot for me, I must say. From the moment I broke through, I have been quite compared to her by others, says Karlsson and continues:
– But it’s one of the best skiers of all time and it’s just fun that she’s coming back.
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The 24-year-old does not believe that Johaug will be as superior on the ski slopes in a comeback.
– We know that she maintains a high level regardless, but I think the top has been raised a little in the World Cup. It is both the top and the width that have been raised, says Karlsson to Nettavisen.
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Frida Karlsson’s concerns
Since Calle Halfvarsson became a father in June 2022, the 34-year-old achieved impressive results in the World Cup. Among other things, he won both the sprint and 15 kilometer freestyle during the Swedish premiere for the 22/23 season. Both Halfvarsson himself and his national team colleagues gave the birth of his son as the reason behind his new successes.
Frida Karlsson worries that Johaug may have a similar “mother effect”.
– It’s probably the mother effect that scares a little. We have seen it with our own, too. Calle Halfvarsson got the dad effect. You shouldn’t underestimate it, she tells the Norwegian newspaper.
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