Mathias Fredriksson Backs Therese Johaug in Comeback: 'She Doesn't Need to Be at Her Best'

This winter, the reigning queen of Norwegian cross-country skiing, Therese Johaug, makes her much-anticipated return after a two-year hiatus. While Johaug herself admits she may not reach her previous peak performance, fellow athlete Mathias Fredriksson believes she doesn’t have to be in top form to secure victories.

"She does not need to be a hundred percent to win," Fredriksson stated in an interview with SVT.

Johaug’s comeback is centered around her ambition to compete in the World Championships in Trondheim, with a particular focus on the 50-kilometer race.

When asked about her condition as she embarks on this comeback season, Johaug replied:

"It's hard to say. Based on past tests, I'm perhaps a little below my best level. But I'm on the right track."

Fredriksson is optimistic that this will suffice for her to excel this winter.

"When she is at her best, there is no one close to her in those tests. She does not need to be a hundred percent to win; that’s how strong she was before her break," he remarked. "I believe she will win many competitions this winter."

Among her primary competitors are Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson. Fredriksson shares insights on the competitive dynamics among these athletes in the interview.