From being scolded to success – the transformation of Norway's female skiers

Last year's heavy season is a distant memory.

The Norwegian women have secured a remarkable 14 podiums in eight competitions. – The criticism has motivated us, says Julie Myhre to SVT Sport.

Last season, the Norwegian women's team faced severe media backlash.

Therese Johaug, then an expert on NRK, was harsh in her criticism following a tough start to the season. – It is inadequate. We must get to the bottom of this. How has the training been? she stated.

Last year, the Norwegian women earned five podiums in nine competitions before Christmas, three of which were by sprint specialist Kristine Stavås Skistad. This compares to the Swedish team, which had 13 podiums.

This year, the situation is quite different.

The Swedish women have battled through sickness and injuries, achieving only six podiums in eight competitions. Meanwhile, Norway has reached the podium a total of 14 times individually during the same period. Notably, this includes Therese Johaug’s four podiums, while Kristine Stavås Skistad, recovering from abdominal surgery, has yet to secure a podium.

Johaug Effect?

Heidi Weng, who has been dealing with the aftereffects of a concussion in recent seasons, attributes their success to consistency during the preseason. – I think I have trained less than Therese in recent years, and she has also been pregnant...

The veteran also mentions that Johaug’s comeback has had a positive effect on her, as the star handles all media interactions and pressure with remarkable prowess.

However, Astrid Öyre Slind is somewhat mixed regarding the impact of Johaug. – It is motivating to compete against her. At the same time, it’s a bit tough that she races so quickly. So it’s a bit of both...

Julie Myhre, 28, has reached the podium for the first time this year, achieving this in all the sprint competitions during the season.

In the clip above, she talks about her and the team's success.

World Cup and Upcoming Competitions

The World Cup continues with the Tour de Ski from December 28 to January 5.

Norwegian Podiums for Women This Year (Individually)

• Therese Johaug: 4
• Julie Myhre: 3
• Heidi Weng: 3
• Astrid Öyre Slind: 3
• Mathilde Myhrvold: 1

Norwegian Team for Tour de Ski

• Therese Johaug
• Heidi Weng
• Astrid Öyre Slind
• Julie Myhre
• Mathilde Myhrvold
• Lotta Udnes Weng
• Kristin Austgulen Fosnäs
• Nora Sanness
• Silje Theodorsen
• Helene Marie Fossesholm