Sprint Silver is Like Gold for Erik Valnes at the Ski Worlds

Erik Valnes is fine-tuning his form at Lillehammer as he prepares for the sprint event at the Ski World Championships in Trondheim on February 27, 2025. The 28-year-old from Sørreisa has almost given up on aiming for gold — citing the seemingly unbeatable performance of fellow Norwegian Johannes Høsflot Klæbo.

Valnes explains that if Klæbo performs as expected, he won’t be able to beat him. Still, he is determined to do his best by focusing on the other competitors. In his candid and humorous remarks to NRK, Valnes insists that even a silver medal would be as good as gold in a duel with Klæbo, joking that Klæbo would need to be sick or break a ski pole in order for him to win.

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo himself smiles at the thought and acknowledges that he, too, must be at his best – stating that he’ll simply do everything possible to be well prepared. Valnes also reflects on the unique challenge of competing in front of 50,000 spectators at home, describing it as a new and special dimension that will boost the atmosphere during the final.

Both skiers are geared up for a thrilling sprint that promises high drama and stiff competition at this international championship.