Therese Johaug Has a Stunning Lead Over Her Main Rivals – Throws Shade at Swedish Journalist

Therese Johaug has made a triumphant return in the World Cup, winning the 10 km freestyle interval start race in Lillehammer. This marks her first victory in World Cup competition in nearly three years.

Johaug was 11.4 seconds faster than second-place finish Heidi Weng, who showcased a strong performance as well, finishing with a notable lead over other competitors. The podium was rounded out by Astrid Øyre Slind, who took third place, exemplifying Norway's dominance in the race.

"I am extremely satisfied. This is a dream come true. I didn't believe I could stand on the top podium again before Christmas," Johaug expressed happily after her win.

Despite Johaug's triumph, Weng pushed hard and gained ground as the race progressed, maintaining a commendable pace throughout.

In a light-hearted moment in an interview, Johaug poked fun at Swedish journalist Tomas Pettersson, who had criticized her after the previous weekend's performances in Ruka. Johaug referenced his comments directly, emphasizing her success now compared to his negative remarks.

Kerttu Niskanen was the highest-placed Finnish skier, finishing in 20th place, trailing Johaug by two minutes. The results showcased a remarkable comeback for Johaug, solidifying her place as a leading competitor in this season's World Cup circuit.