Instead of the instead of the instant career end, cross-country skiing star Therese Johaub is still tackling at least one race. Luring Olympia 2026 you?
As the Norwegian Ski Association announced, Johaug is in the contingent for the final World Cup races in Lahti, Finnish, next weekend. Accordingly, she is registered for the mass start on Sunday.
“Possibility to end the season at the top”
The long-term cross-country trainer Fredrik Aubland recognizes a clear reason for Johaug’s change of heart: the missed gold at the Nordic Ski World Cup in Trondheim.
“It is about the fact that after the missed victory at the 50 km race in Trondheim is so bitter that she sees the opportunity to end the season in Lahti at the top of the podium,” said Aukland in his role as an expert for the broadcaster NRK: “ She wants to show what she is able after all the efforts this season.”
While her career seemed to be in the end two days ago, a new attempt with a view of the 2026 Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo does not appear entirely.
Johaug at Olympia 2026?
“I don’t think Lahti is crucial for whether she continues or not,” commented Aukland. “The fact that she drives to Lahti only creates more uncertainty about whether she strives for the Olympic Games or not.”
Johaug himself explained in Oslo on Sunday that the likelihood of a final resignation was “90 percent”. It takes “very, very, a lot for me to start a new season again”.
It sounded quite clear – and the four -time Olympic champion also signaled that they should leave out the races in Lahti and take the home game on the baking quirks as a final point: “I have the feeling that it is now over.” At least this sentence has now proven to be obsolete.