Therese Johaug Dominates Lillehammer – Responds to Tomas Pettersson

Therese Johaug Dominates Lillehammer – Responds to Tomas Pettersson

1000 days after her last World Cup victory, Therese Johaug showed she is still a force to be reckoned with. This victory was significant for her in many ways.

Johaug stated about her recent tough week: "I was really exhausted after Ruka. Ski races are one thing, but everything else that goes with it takes energy as well. I have felt mentally drained."

She explained how a comment from Pettersson ignited a fire in her. "It was fun to hear Pål Gunnar (Mikkelsplass) say in the last hill, 'You’re a loser, but today you will win!' That was amusing and helped me come back strong."

Johaug addressed Pettersson directly: "He sparked something in me. Maybe I should hire him as a mental coach. I was a little annoyed and thought, 'Damn, I’ll show him.'"

Following a disappointing fourth place in Ruka, Johaug dismissed Pettersson's earlier comments labeling her as a 'loser', stating she wanted to prove him wrong.

Reflecting on her win, Johaug said, "It felt amazing to put that skepticism to rest after being labeled a loser following my return home from Kuusamo with a fifth and fourth place."

Johaug's victory, which was solidified by a 11-second lead over Heidi Weng in second and Frida Karlsson finishing third, marks her return to the top of cross-country skiing.