Johannes Kläbo Discusses Recent Struggles and the Challenges of Aging

Johannes Hösflot Kläbo, the reigning star of men's cross-country skiing, faced a challenging summer. The multiple medalist had to cut short a national team training camp and miss a traditional roller skiing event due to health issues.

As Kläbo gears up for the upcoming season, he has his eyes set on competing in the World Championships in his homeland this February and March. However, his preparations have not gone as smoothly as planned.

The Norwegian skier revealed to TV2 that he had to adjust his training regimen significantly this summer, reducing both the duration and intensity of his workouts. A trip to a training camp in Fredrikstad came to an abrupt end in June when an elbow injury cut it short, and soon after, he was sidelined by a prolonged illness that affected his training further.

“I struggled with a cough for quite some time. It has made it difficult to keep up with my exercise routine,” Kläbo shared. He admitted to feeling disconnected from his usual training due to an unwelcome bout of sickness. "I’ve been spending time in a dark basement watching some not-so-great Netflix shows," he joked, highlighting the frustration of his situation.

As Kläbo approaches his 28th birthday this October, he reflects on how age may be playing a role in his body’s recovery process.

“I'm getting old. That’s probably it. I feel like I could handle much more when I was younger,” he commented, acknowledging the inevitable effects of time on athletic performance.

This summer’s setbacks also meant he missed the popular Blink Festival roller skiing competition, a key event where Norway’s elite skiers evaluate each other’s preparations for the season.

However, Kläbo is currently competing in the Toppidrettsveka roller skiing competition, which is also the site of the upcoming World Championships. As the defending champion, he is planning to take part in two or three of the four events scheduled.

Kläbo noted that he trained approximately 80 to 100 hours less this summer than usual but remains optimistic about his prospects.

“Even if this summer and the last couple of years haven't gone as smoothly, things have a way of coming together when winter arrives. Fortunately, there’s still plenty of time before February, and that gives me comfort,” he reflected in his conversation with TV2.

This past year, Kläbo dealt with additional challenges, including a COVID-19 infection just over a week before the season commenced, as well as falling ill with the flu ahead of the prestigious Tour de Ski, which he ultimately missed.

With his sights set on a successful World Championship, Kläbo is determined to overcome these recent hurdles and reclaim his spot at the top of the sport.