Austrian Mika Vermeulen Learned Norwegian Through Russ Songs

Mika Vermeulen from Austria learned Norwegian through russ songs – NRK Sport – Sports news, results, and broadcast schedule

He is named after a doping-tainted athlete, but moved to Norway after the doping scandal in his home country. Now, Mika Vermeulen speaks fluent Norwegian thanks to "Tix".

In an interview with NRK, Mika Vermeulen, who impressed with a strong second place overall in the Tour de Ski, answers all questions in Norwegian with ease.

He attributes much thanks to Norwegian festival and party music for mastering the language so well.

"I enjoy singing in the shower, and then it helps a little with russ songs," he laughs.

• What words did you learn there?
  – I don't know if I should say those words on TV, but there is a lot about f and h, Vermeulen grins.

• Not like that in Austria

The first Norwegian words Vermeulen learned were indeed from the more vulgar variety. And NRK can reveal that this involves words for the female genitalia and one of the oldest professions in the world.

– That's true, they only sing about such things in those songs. We don’t have that in Austria. It’s a bit of culture, and it’s fun, says the 25-year-old.

The songs were sung by Andreas "Tix" Haukeland, receiving much of the credit for Vermeulen's language skills.

– It's mostly sad how it ended for him. The way he experienced it is tragic. You don’t wish that for anyone. I’m just glad we are in 2024 and not in 1999, says Vermeulen about Mika Myllylä, the Finnish skier he’s named after.

Mika learned that he is a rising star in the world of skiing, and he shows that he has a natural talent for both performance and singing Norwegian russ songs.

Vermeulen is among the favorites for a medal in the upcoming World Championships in Trondheim.