Johaug Makes a U-turn – Competing in New Event

Johaug Makes a U-turn – Competing in New Event

Therese Johaug has signaled a significant change in her plans after previously declaring that her races at Holmenkollen over the past weekend would be her last. Now, she has been selected to participate in the World Cup events in Lahti, Finland this weekend, as confirmed by the Norwegian Ski Federation.

In the selection, Johaug is signed up for the 50 km race on Sunday. This decision contradicts earlier announcements about her pending retirement following this season, as she expressed just a couple of days prior that she felt this might be her last year of competition.

In commentary, NRK expert Fredrik Aukland suggested that Johaug's turnaround primarily stems from disappointment over her performance in the 50 km race at the World Championships in Trondheim, where she did not clinch any gold medals despite her considerable efforts throughout the season.

"She appears to be pushing through to demonstrate her capabilities once more at this final stage of her career," Aukland remarked. "However, it also raises more uncertainty about her commitment to the upcoming Olympics."

Despite being adjudged to have a difficult road ahead, Johaug’s participation in Lahti marks her ambition to finish her career competitively, where she anticipates returning to the podium after what was a letdown in Trondheim.

"It requires a great deal of consideration to contemplate conducting another season, but participating in Lahti could substantially impact her decision concerning the Olympics," Aukland added. This decision indeed sparks continued speculations concerning her future in the sport, particularly as the Olympic Games in Cortina and Milan loom closer, an event that many hope Johaug will join.

In light of the situation, Johaug’s husband, Nils Jakob Hoff, has suggested previously that Johaug's chances of participating in the Olympics still remain up for discussion, and her recent decision creates a pathway to possibly revisit her Olympic aspirations.

To conclude, here are the athletes representing Norway for the 50 km event in Lahti:

Men:
- Johannes Høsflot Klæbo
- Harald Østberg Amundsen
- Andreas Fjorden Ree
- Erik Valnes
- Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget
- Pål Golberg
- Simen Hegstad Krüger

Women:
- Therese Johaug
- Astrid Øyre Slind
- Kristin Austgulen Fosnæs
- Hedda Østberg Amundsen
- Silje Theodorsen
- Nora Sanness
- Lotta Udnes Weng