Competitor Responds to Johaug's Comments: 'Completely Idiotic'

Linn Svahn has little patience for Therese Johaug's call for the rest of the cross-country elite.

Just a day before the World Cup opening in Finland’s Ruka, the Swedish sprint star was asked about Johaug's assertion:

"Everyone must just realize that we are in a new era. We must contribute. As athletes, we have a responsibility for the sport, too. We have a responsibility to post pictures; we must understand that higher demands are being made. To promote the sport, one must give of oneself. You have to dare to show weak sides, and you have to dare to show your strong sides," Johaug stated in an interview with VG in September.

However, Svahn did not take kindly to this view.

"I think it’s completely idiotic. I don’t think that’s something one should have to do, so I believe she is completely wrong there. I think there’s a significant difference between what a person chooses to share about their private life and what pertains to the sport. One can be busy both privately and in sports, but I think it’s entirely wrong to impose the requirement to be personal and private," the Swedish athlete told Aftonbladet.

This comes as the agreement between the Norwegian Ski Federation and Equinor won’t be renewed after the 2024/2025 season, which also applies to NFS's collaboration with Sparebank1.

On Friday, the stage is set for the 10-kilometer classic race in Ruka. Svahn is among the Swedish women ready to compete against Johaug as she makes her World Cup comeback at 36.

"I feel quite calm. It’s a long season, with the World Championships being the main goal. It’s important to not "push" too hard at the start," Svahn told Max, further adding:

"Of course, I always want to perform, but I have a feeling that I will come into my own more as the season progresses."

(©NTB/Eurosport)