ÅMOT (Dagbladet): A small crowd turned up to honor Johan Kaggestad on Saturday evening.
For the protagonist himself, the session was tearful.
Moved to tears
After Kaggestad did not receive the honorary award at the Sports Gala this year, a number of people – including Kaggestad’s own fan club – wanted to pay tribute to the 80-year-old in a torchlight procession.
Dagbladet exchanged a few words with Kaggestad after the tribute. We met him at the reception on the first floor of Modumheimen. The protagonist himself was in a wheelchair.
– How was this here?
– It was strong, he says to Dagbladet.
– How much does it mean that so many people stand up for you?
– It means a lot, Kaggestad replies, clearly moved.
Facts: Johan Kaggestad
This is the former sports coach and manager Johan Kaggestad:
* Name: Johan Kaggestad
* Age: 80 years (born 12 October 1943 in Modum)
* Sports coach for a number of years, associated with the Olympiatoppen since 1994
* Has been Olympiatoppen’s man in charge of skating
* In his time, he trained athletics stars Grete Waitz and Ingrid Kristiansen
* Kaggestad was for a number of years an expert commentator for TV 2 during the channel’s cycling broadcasts
* He was also previously associated with Martin Andresen’s coaching team in Vålerenga
Sea view
Son Mads takes the floor:
– As for the father, he is completely exhausted because he is so moved by what he has been involved in, which gives him a lot of energy. It is definitely a bright spot in life. This was absolutely fantastic, says Mads Kaggestad to Dagbladet.
– He is very touched and very happy, adds the son.
A small crowd of people turned up to honor Johan Kaggestad (80) in Åmot on Saturday afternoon 27 January. view more
– Are you okay?
Mads says that Johan knew it was going to be a very special day, and that he was very much looking forward to the tribute from the torch train.
– It can be quite monotonous days in a nursing home, so having those bright spots and feeling appreciated and not forgotten, I think that means a lot. Not all of us can experience this, says Mads.
– How is he today? asks Dagbladet.
Mads leans down towards Johan and asks: You’re fine, aren’t you?
– I’m fine, assures the 80-year-old.
Mads takes the floor again:
– It is an upheaval in life when he suddenly has to go to a nursing home, but it is the fact that he has so many people around him that have made it only get better and better, despite the fact that the situation is a bit boring. These bright spots of people who care mean he’s actually doing pretty well. He has come to terms with the fact that this is the situation.
TOTAL: (Fv) Marita Kaggestad, son Liam Kaggestad, Johan Kaggestad, Mads Kaggestad and Eva Karlsen. Photo: Christian August Cederblad / Dagbladet Show more
Has helped many
Through almost 20 years as a Tour de France commentator for TV 2, Kaggestad became one of Idrett-Norway’s biggest and most well-known profiles.
– Even those who have not met fatter’n in person, many probably feel that to some extent he represents the values he stands for. He has talked about so much on the TV screen that many people have listened to. They get close and feel that they are getting to know him, says Mads.
– What is it about Johan that makes so many people stand up here?
– There are probably many here who are aware of what he has done in psychiatry and how he has helped people who have struggled. He has not only been a mentor and coach for athletes, he has also helped many who have been in difficult phases of life, who have had good help from fatter’n. He is good at seeing people – and the potential in everyone. I think a lot of people have appreciated that, and won’t forget it.
BIG: An equal sea of people had gathered to honor Johan Kaggestad. Photo: Christian August Cederblad / Dagbladet Show more
Praised
Eva Karlsen, who took over Johan Kaggestad’s fan club on Facebook in 2010, gave a moving speech outside the nursing home.
She has known Johan since the early 2000s.
– He was a trainer for Ringerike’s cycling club, where I was a guard. He brought Thor Hushovd with him, and that’s where my acquaintance with Johan started, says Karlsen to Dagbladet.
TRIBUTE: Eva Karlsen helped honor Johan Kaggestad. Photo: Christian August Cederblad / Dagbladet Show more
– How has it been for you to be here?
– It’s been a lot of fun. There was a slight disappointment in the group – and elsewhere in the country – when Johan did not receive the honorary award during the Sports Gala. But then there were two guys who recorded a proposal for me to make a torch train, and we have been working on that for the last three weeks.
– Johan was pleased and moved, she adds.
Karlsen says she has visited Johan many times at Modumheimen, and that it is just as pleasant every time. Together they watch, among other things, skiing and jumping on the TV.
– What makes Kaggestad so special to you?
– That he is a warm-hearted fellow, and someone who takes care of those who are not at the top of the ladder. He is outspoken and stands by what he has said, concludes Karlsen.