Ski-VM: Ronja (4) demands new Riiber gold: – I had to deliver

Jarl Magnus Riiber capped an incredible career with his 11th world championship gold. In the lead-up, his daughter Ronja expressed a clear desire for him to win gold again. "I am thrilled. When I went to bed last night, this is what I dreamed of. Ronja wanted a goldfish for the aquarium for Birk, so she will get that," said a happy Riiber to NRK after the pursuit race.

Riiber is a proud father of Ronja (4) and Birk (10 months). In conjunction with NRK's evening broadcast, a goldfish is placed in an aquarium for each Norwegian gold. Riiber has already contributed to a couple of goldfish with individual gold in the compact event and gold in the mixed team competition.

"It’s her who has had to sacrifice the most. Giving her this little experience was great. She was very demanding after the last gold. I named the fish after her. She said, 'but Birk should have one too.' I had to deliver that," said Riiber about his daughter.

Earlier on Saturday, Riiber’s daughter surprised him during an interview with the event organizers after the ski jump:

The most excitement occurred, however, behind the gold winner. There, Jørgen Graabak fought a desperate battle to secure the silver medal. The 31-year-old was crushed the day before by a mistaken use of ski bindings, costing both him and his teammates the gold during the team competition.

"It's such a special day, in so many ways. Especially after yesterday. It's a huge lift. It has been a tough day and night," Graabak told NRK.

Graabak sprinted down Vinzenz Geiger at the finish. A triumph that likely had as much to do with personal prestige following the argument with the German team the day before.

For me, this is a high point of my career thus far. Especially after the previous day's events. It is a very large achievement that I am very proud of.

During the medal award ceremony, NRK expert Magnus Moan was overwhelmed as the medals were distributed at the championships' final event for the combined team. Graabak was also the first to admit that the buildup hadn't been what he wanted.

Riiber announced this winter that this year's season would be his last.

What will happen next? Will it be special jumps, or Planica, or what?

First of all, I am going to take a break after the World Championships. Then I will have a chat with Ivar regarding the team. Let’s see if there are opportunities, or if I'm going to do something entirely different. I’ll keep my options open. Exciting times are ahead, he cryptically stated.

But first, he will enjoy some well-deserved and quiet days with his family.