PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Norwegian skiing legend Therese Johaug is making a comeback. Something that engages the Swedish ski ladies.
– She won’t have it as easy as before, says Maja Dahlqvist.
Therese Johaug was the world’s best women’s skier when she decided to retire in 2022.
In May last year, she gave birth to her daughter Kristin Hoff Johaug. After that, the desire to compete returned.
Last winter, she raced both the Norwegian championship and the long-distance race. Therefore, it came as no great surprise when Johaug wrote on Instagram on Thursday:
“Both in the NM (Norwegian championship) and in tests, it seems that I still have something to contribute on the ski track. The desire to have the starting number on the chest is just as strong.”
Johaug back
In a following press conference, Johaug said that it is the home WC in Trondheim at the end of February next year that motivated her to make a comeback and also sent a greeting to the Swedes:
– I have seen that many people wanted me to make a comeback. At least the ones on the other side of the border, the Swedish girls. Hope I can motivate them a little.
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Within the Swedish women’s national team, which is now at a training camp in the WC terrain outside Trondheim, they are inspired by the fact that the Norwegian is back, even though it will be tougher at the World Cup.
Happiest about the comeback is Ebba Anderssonwho sees new opportunities this winter. They are two skiers who like to have a high pace, but have a worse sprint.
– Suddenly there is another rider who is prepared to take responsibility for keeping the speed. It can mean that I sometimes get a relief when it comes to setting the pace. Many times it is other riders who are not as energetic to set a good pace. Then it is positive that Johaug is involved, says Ebba Andersson.
Linn Svahn’s words
Jonna Sundling is also happy that Johaug is back, but has no feeling if the Swedish riders will be able to challenge Johaug this winter.
– I hope that those of us who have worked for the past two years have not gotten worse.
READ MORE: That’s why Frida Karlsson is missing from the Swedish national ski team – the ski star misses both training camp and competition: “It’s about…”
Lynn Svahn is impressed by how big it has become that Johaug is making a comeback:
– It is the big bomb in skiing Sweden this summer. It shows how big a championship on home soil is – that you finish a career and are prepared to go back to a venture where you know what it takes to have done it. It’s not just a job. It’s a lifestyle. She will be fine. She is so sure of herself.
Johaug has four Olympic golds, 14 World Cup golds and 100 victories in the World Cup.
What do you think of Therese Johaug making a comeback? Share the article and have your say!
Facts about Johaug
Age: 36.
Living: Oslo.
Merits: Olympics: 4 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze. WC: 14 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze.
Family: Married to Nils Jakob Hoff (former Olympic rower). They have a daughter, Kristin.
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