PHOTO: Bildbyrån
He became the first Swede to win the Vasaloppet in eleven years.
Then Emil Persson became cocky enough to mock Petter Northug himself.
Now the Norwegian strikes back – in the most brazen way.
During his active skiing career, Peter Northug known as a real tease who always messed with the Swedes. The Norwegian also had the wherewithal to do as he collected Olympic and World Cup medals in a heap and beat the Swedish opponents on an assembly line.
Persson’s success
These days, Northug keeps busy with cross-country skiing and the annual Ski Classics competition. Last year, the controversial Norwegian made his debut in the classic Vasaloppet and got to see a Swede win the race for the first time in eleven years.
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Emil Persson impressed greatly and won the Vasaloppet but was told right after that Northug will beat him next year. The Swede does not really want to be drawn into the argument with the Norwegian.
– I rarely throw things out (verbally), I try to avoid it. There are never really correct headlines, they are mostly made up, says Emil when he is a guest on the SVT program “Kallprat”.
– If I were to try to create headlines, I would not build my own brand. Because that wouldn’t be me. I wouldn’t feel safe or happy making headlines to spew bad words about the opponents. I’m not that into sports personally.
Northug’s answer
But still, he couldn’t stop himself from taunting Northug that he will never win the Vasaloppet.
– He will never do it. He is past his best days and too old, says Persson in the TV program.
– He still has a bit to go and he has time against him.
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The mocking words have reached Petter Northug, who is now fighting back against Emil Persson’s actions. Of course with a direct taunt back.
– When I was younger, I prioritized winning the WC, the Olympics and the World Cup. It was so busy that I had to put my career on hold until I had had enough of that cake, says the Norwegian, who also works as a TV expert, to Norwegian TV2.
– I have plenty of time to do the Vasaloppet, wreaths and camphor drops together with Emil Persson, who looks surprisingly old.
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