Therese Johaug's Surprising Return to the Norwegian National Team

Therese Johaug's Surprising Return to the Norwegian National Team

Originally published in SVT Sport on August 29, 2024

Therese Johaug has made headlines with her unexpected return to the Norwegian national cross-country skiing team, stating that the announcement came as "a bit of a shock" to her. After clinching victory at the Norwegian championships in March, Johaug is gearing up for the upcoming season, with her sights set on the 2025 World Championships in Norway.

The announcement, made on August 7, caught even Johaug off guard as she decided to make her comeback. Balancing her training with the responsibilities of caring for her one-year-old daughter, Johaug is approaching this winter season in a way that diverges from her usual routine. While the Norwegian women's team conducts high-altitude training in Italy, Johaug stays back at home, confident that her choice supports both her family and her sporting career.

As the World Cup for cross-country skiing is set to kick off on November 29 in Ruka, Finland, anticipation builds around Johaug's return and the prospects for the season ahead.