August 30, 2024
In our little corner of Nordic skiing news, the winds of change are blustering about like an errant biathlete trying to find the perfect position on a windy day.
We begin with the tenacious Finn Hågen Krogh, once Norway's Nordic poster-boy. Poor Finn, at the decidedly ripe age of 33, makes another spirited dash at the World Championship spot because apparently, nothing beats the home team juice on Norwegian soil. Training with his young apprentice Jardar Olsen, Finn is combining wisdom of age with the fresh legs that Jardar brings, all in pursuit of glory at Beitostølen. It's a heartwarming symbiotic relationship akin to a moose coach teaching a baby moose the ways of the forest. 🦌🏔️
Meanwhile, over in the Swiss cheese of narratives, the IBU's new start order proposal is like a mouse subtly ringing a bell—it’s got the athletes scampering and a tad frantic. The essence of this drama, dear readers, is not unlike the suspense of a soap opera that's more intense than watching paint dry. Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen, among others, has thrown his ski pole into the ring, highlighting that our mental math will soon have to improve if we're to keep up with when these headliners make their grand starts.
On the cusp of comebacks and calculations, we find a sad tale in the loftier arenas of ski jumping. Justin Lisso, our beleaguered German jumper, has once again taken to Instagram to lament another injury - the dreaded cruciate ligament rupture. Operated on and optimistic as a Christmas caroler in the fog, he's letting the world know he's not bowing out yet. His resolve remains as stubborn as a skier not wanting to miss out on one last run.
Finally, in an act of joyful defiance against modern sporting norms, Poland's Ruczynów hosts its legendary 'Ski Jumping for Amateurs' competition. This event is the kind of charm offensive that turns competitive ski jumping on its head - fewer rules, more fun, and an atmosphere so relaxed that even a casual skier could join midway. Surely an event that should be preceded by a polka band and followed by a hot chocolate bash.