Therese Johaug confronts Tomas Pettersson: 'He is a loser' in Lillehammer

Therese Johaug confronts Expressen commentator Tomas Pettersson: 'He is a loser'

Lillehammer | Therese Johaug has a strong message ahead of the World Cup weekend.

Following last weekend's World Cup opener in Ruka, Expressen commentator Tomas Pettersson stated that Therese Johaug stood out as "the only loser."

• Welcome to a new world of skiing. The nice thing is that everyone is a winner. Or, not everyone. Not you, Therese Johaug, Pettersson wrote after the women's mass start, where Johaug finished outside the podium.

On Thursday, Johaug confronted the Swedish commentator's remarks when speaking to the press ahead of the World Cup races in Lillehammer.

• If he thinks I am a loser, then I can reply that he is a loser for having that opinion. I don't appreciate that at all, Johaug stated.

The 36-year-old added that she had no reason to be dissatisfied after her return to the World Cup scene.

• I am very pleased with the results. He cannot say that coming home with a second and a fourth place means I've gone home as a loser. Those are strong words.

When asked if she feels Pettersson and the Swedes were delighted over her not winning in Ruka, her answer is clear:

• Yes, when he says what he says, I feel that.

Johaug feels the expectations of her comeback, after two and a half years away from cross-country skiing, might seem artificially high for some.

• It seems almost like I should just line up at the start in first place, but I know it’s not like that.

On Friday, Johaug will have a new opportunity to claim her first World Cup win since March 12, 2022, when she last won in Falun. The World Cup weekend in Lillehammer starts with a 10-kilometer race on Friday, followed by a sprint on Saturday and a 20-kilometer with ski swapping on Sunday.