– It was a lot of fun, Ree tells NRK.
The rookie skier shook up the cross-country elite and won the 10-kilometer, a day after finishing fourth in the classic race.
– This is someone we will see a lot of. He has learned a lot over the past few years, and that learning makes me have more faith in it, predicts NRK expert Martin Johnsrud Sundby.
For even though he has shocked before – with NM gold in the 50km in 2022 – he is not a man who has dominated the sports pages in recent years. Now the expert predicts that will change:
– What he was doing was insane. He had extraordinary speed on the track and performed well technically.
Has lost track
The best national team skier was Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget, who finished in 3rd place behind Ree and Austrian Mika Vermeulen.
– For the wider audience, he might be new, but we know him pretty well, Vermeulen tells NRK after finishing 2nd – and adds:
– There are so many Norwegians that you can’t keep track anyway.
– He is one of those who trains the hardest, both the most and the hardest. That he is getting rewarded for it is scary for everyone else with all the training he has in his body. It’s a warning sign, says Nyenget to NRK.
World Cup next
Now it seems they are about to become even better acquainted. During the live broadcast, national team coach Eirik Myhr Nossum went far in promising Ree a spot in the World Cup next weekend.
– I rarely announce selections live on TV, but this was a rarely good application. I don’t know how your Finnish is, but you’ll have some time to practice it, says Myhr Nossum to NRK.
– A demonstration of power. It’s absolutely amazing, echoed Johnsrud Sundby.
When Ree flew over the finish line, the next competitor on the results list was over a minute behind.
– He had a phenomenal classic race yesterday. Today he is in a class of his own technically, says NRK expert Fredrik Aukland.
Published
24.11.2024, at 14:33
Updated
24.11.2024, at 15:44
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget, Cross-Country Skiing Expert
Editor: Welcome, Martin! It’s great to have you here with us today. We just saw an incredible performance from the rookie skier Ree, who shook up the competition and clinched the 10-kilometer title. What was your first impression of his performance?
Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget: Thank you for having me! Ree’s victory was nothing short of spectacular. To come from a fourth-place finish in the classic race to win in the 10-kilometer shows his remarkable talent and resilience. It was thrilling to watch him push past the cross-country elite!
Editor: Absolutely! You mentioned in your analysis that he has learned a lot over the past few years. Can you elaborate on what you think has contributed to his rapid improvement in such a short time?
Martin: Certainly. Ree has committed to rigorous training, both in terms of volume and intensity. He trains hard on the tracks, and that dedication is now paying off. Coupled with strategic learning from his previous races, it’s a recipe for success. This blend of experience and hard work makes him a formidable competitor.
Editor: He’s definitely someone to keep an eye on. You pointed out that time may have gotten away from the general audience in terms of recognizing new talent like him. Why do you think that is in the context of Norwegian skiing?
Martin: Norway has an incredibly deep pool of talent in cross-country skiing, and new names pop up regularly. This abundance can make it challenging for even the most dedicated fans to stay current with the rising stars. While Ree may be new to the wider audience, those of us closely following the sport have been aware of his capabilities for some time now.
Editor: That’s a valid point. A strong breakthrough from someone like him can certainly refresh interest in the sport. Could you describe the level of competition he faced from seasoned skiers like you and Mika Vermeulen?
Martin: The competition is fierce, especially against established athletes like Mika Vermeulen, who finished second. What was striking about Ree was not just his speed but also his technical proficiency. He managed to execute his strategies flawlessly, which is impressive for a rookie. His performance serves as both an encouragement and a warning to veterans—they need to keep pushing themselves!
Editor: It seems that Ree has set a high bar for the rest of the competitors. As a seasoned athlete, what do you think this means for the future landscape of cross-country skiing?
Martin: Ree’s victory could signal a shift in dynamics. As he establishes himself, it can invigorate younger athletes and motivate them to challenge the standards set by veterans. It’s great for the sport; fresh competition elevates the game for everyone involved.
Editor: That truly is exciting! Before we wrap up, what advice would you give to aspiring skiers who wish to follow in Ree’s footsteps?
Martin: First and foremost, hard work is key—there’s no substitute for it. But equally important is to embrace learning from both victories and defeats. Each race is an opportunity to grow. Stay committed, and don’t underestimate the power of consistent training, both physically and mentally.
Editor: Fantastic advice! Thank you so much for joining us today, Martin. We look forward to seeing how Ree’s journey unfolds and the future of cross-country skiing in Norway!
Martin: Thank you! It’s an exciting time for the sport, and I’m eager to see how it all develops.