Therese Johaug has quit.
But don’t count Norway out, says Frida Karlsson.
– They will be strong, says the Swede.
When a new ski season approaches, Norway, at least in recent years, always stands as favourites. Therese Johaug has won almost every distance competition she has entered. But now a new reality is approaching.
“Tougher without her”
Johaug has now put his skis on the shelf for good, and Norway thus loses its biggest star by far. Even on the sprint side, the biggest star ends, in Maiken Caspersen Falla, and big questions are being asked about where the Norwegian national team actually stands before the new season.
But in Sweden, you don’t immediately enjoy the situation. Maja Dahlqvist believes that others will step forward in Johaug’s absence.
– It is clear that it will be tougher without Johaug, but I think several will take steps. She has laid a good foundation for the team, and I think several will continue to develop, says the sprinter to the Norwegian Dagbladet.
Karlsson’s honest words
Even Frida Karlsson, who together with Maja Dahlqvist left the Swedish national team’s training group in the spring, believes that Norway will be a force to be reckoned with.
– I think the Norwegian national team will be strong even if Johaug retires, but it is clear that they have lost a great skater. She has paved the way for the team, she says.
Frida Karlsson has been singled out as the major challenger to Johaug in recent years. But Frida Karlsson doesn’t think it’s nice to avoid Norwegian.
– No, it’s not something I think about, she says.
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