Kehrtwende bei Ski-Ikone

Instead of the inferred immediate career end, ski star Therese Johaug is now aiming for at least one more race. Is the lure of the 2026 Olympics enticing her back?

The 14-time world champion Therese Johaug is reversing her retirement decision. After signaling her immediate end at the recent home World Cup at the legendary Holmenkollen in Oslo, Johaug has now been included in the lineup for the final World Cup races in Lahti next weekend.

"Chance to End the Season on Top"

Longtime ski coach Fredrik Aukland notes that Johaug's change is linked to her disappointment after missing gold in the 50km race at the Nordic Ski Championship in Trondheim. "She is so bitter after missing out on the victory in Trondheim that she sees the possibility to finish the season at the top of the podium in Lahti," explained Aukland as an expert for NRK. "She wants to show what she is capable of after all the efforts she has made this season."

Despite the announcement of what seemed like the end, Johaug now considers a shot at the Olympics 2026 not completely off the table. "I don’t think Lahti is decisive for whether she continues or not," commented Aukland. "The fact that she is going to Lahti creates even more uncertainty about whether she is aiming for the Olympic Games or not."

Johaug herself had stated just a few days ago in Oslo that the probability of a definitive retirement lay at "90 percent." She explained that it would take "a lot for me to start a new season now."

This sentiment appeared quite clear, and the four-time Olympic champion hinted that she might skip the races in Lahti, considering the Home Competition at Holmenkollen as her likely farewell: "I have the feeling that it is now over." At least that statement has turned out to be inaccurate now.