Photo: Bildbyrån
The Norwegian press likes to write a lot about the Swedish rivals.
Above all, two of our long-distance stars end up in the center.
– There is so much focus on Therese, Ebba and Frida all the time in the media in Norway, Viaplay expert Anna-Karin Strömstedt tells Sportbibeln.
It is a rivalry that stretches back several hundred years. Back then it was mainly about war and controlling land. Now it takes place mostly in a sports context. As, for example, in skiing, where Norwegians and Swedes are often pitted against each other in the competition tracks.
Anna-Karin Strömstedt about the rivalry
One person who is well aware of the rivalry between the two ski nations is Anna-Karin Strömstedt43. She is a Swedish former cross-country skier and biathlete who has been living in Norway for many years, but who reports for Swedish Viaplay. She has a solid grasp of what is written in the Norwegian newspapers – and knows how the Norwegians react when things are going well for Sweden.
– It’s always like that. There is always talk about Sweden and Norway and vice versa, I would say. There is so much focus on it Therese (Johaug), Ebba (Andersson) and Frida (Karlsson) all the time in the media in Norway, says Strömstedt to Sportbibeln.
READ MORE: Ebba Andersson new news for the Tour de Ski
The Norwegian media think it is really good that Johaug made a comeback, because it will be a tougher fight for the Swedes to reach the top positions. The 36-year-old is still in really good shape and is one of the favorites for the Tour de Ski and WC in Trondheim after the turn of the year.
– They are very happy that they have Therese back, because Sweden has been very good for a few years. There are new articles every day about Therese above all, but also very often this: “Therese can win everything, or is there someone who can challenge?”, says Anna-Karin.
Therese Johaug is praised after the comeback
Anna-Karin Strömstedt thinks that Therese Johaug is back and betting on the WC benefits several skaters. Not only because Norway gets a stronger challenger who can beat the Swedes, but also because she has such a big profile at the side of the competitions.
– I think for sure that we will see her win a lot of competitions, but I also think that there will be many who will be able to participate and challenge. For example Ebba Andersson and Frida Karlsson. I am very excited about how it will be this winter. It will be very exciting to see, she says.
READ MORE: Therese Johaug’s advice to Frida Karlsson: “Don’t need …”
She also believes that competition between nations is beneficial. This means that more viewers become interested and the level of the sport becomes higher.
— It’s a game now that I think will last this whole season. Actually, I think it’s good for everyone that it brings more interest to cross-country skiing, so it’s good that she’s back.
It will be exciting to see how the Swedes and Norwegians fare in the Tour de Ski and the WC ahead. Always fun and nerve-wracking to witness the duels between the countries’ top skaters. Hello Sweden!
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