On Sunday, the news came that the beloved sports coach and TV 2 commentator Johan Kaggestad has passed away. He was 81 years old.
Among those who remember Kaggestad best and who had a close relationship with both Kaggestad and his family was Ingrid Kristiansen.
- For him, he hasn’t had the life he wanted in recent years. This was probably one of the best things for him and the family, even though it’s a chapter that’s over and it’s really sad. As someone who has worked closely with him for many years, I think it’s sad, of course. That’s life, but it’s way too soon, Kristiansen told Dagbladet.
Johan Kaggestad has died
– Nothing came for free
Between 1981 and 1994, Kaggestad served as a coach for Kristiansen, which resulted in a world championship gold in the 10,000 meters in 1987, as well as dozens of marathon victories.
- He is perhaps the last giant in the way of working that he did, says Kristiansen.
– Nothing came for free for him, and he always wanted to be well prepared. Money was never the driving force for him; I believe he wouldn’t have worked with athletics if it were, chuckles the decorated long-distance runner.
Kristiansen describes a dynamic where the two pushed each other to be their best, and that they often united in their disagreements, having their own opinions on how things should be done.
DUO: Kaggestad and Kristiansen at Bislett in 1991. Photo: Lasse Evensen / NTB
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Especially in the 80s when she and Kaggestad felt that the Norwegian Athletics Federation had not always been supportive of their project.
– I don’t think Norwegian Athletics was particularly supportive of him. We did
– Then Johan suddenly became cool. But he believed in this, and he persisted. Not only that, but he also made us believe in it. But Norwegian Athletics was not supportive. They never have been. Johan used to say that too.
Kristiansen shares that she and Kaggestad have maintained contact over the years after. She is a coach these days and has called her old coach several times for advice and such.
In the last period before his passing, it had become considerably less frequent.
– That’s the saddest part. I used to call and ask for advice and things like that. It was a nice way to get him started in the misery at first. Then he forgot he was unwell. But the last six months, I noticed he had lost his spark, said Kristiansen.
– We talked about general things instead, and it was tricky. After Netti (Johan’s wife, Janette, journal.note) passed away, there was a lot of crying. It got harder and harder. Johan was sad, and in the last period, he stopped answering the phone. He probably didn’t have the energy to pick it up.
Johans giant
Kristiansen notes that although Johan was the analytical coach ahead of his time regarding data and information about all athletes, his wife Janette was the one who liked to see the human side.
– Johan Kaggestad would never have been a good coach for me if he hadn’t been married to Netti, says Kristiansen.
- He was about diagrams and systems and didn’t always see the human side. I talked with him about training, while I and Netti could talk about knitting and completely normal things. It created a good balance, says Kristiansen.
She believes that Janette’s passing before Christmas in 2022 quickly became the last hard blow in her old coach’s life.
– He lost his giant. In addition, he was very ill, and probably didn’t see much good in life ahead. I fear he partly gave up, says Kristiansen.
What were some of the key achievements of Johan Kaggestad in the athletics community?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Ingrid Kristiansen
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Ingrid. The news of Johan Kaggestad’s passing has deeply affected many, particularly in the athletics community. Can you share your immediate thoughts and feelings upon hearing the news?
Ingrid Kristiansen: Thank you for having me. Yes, it’s truly heartbreaking. Johan was not only a remarkable coach but a dear friend. For him and his family, recent years have not been easy, so in a way, while it is incredibly sad to say goodbye, I believe this brings some relief. It’s a difficult chapter for all of us, but one that we must accept.
Editor: You had a very close working relationship with him over many years. What do you believe are his lasting legacies in athletics, particularly regarding your work together?
Ingrid Kristiansen: Johan was a titan in the world of athletics. He was deeply passionate about the sport and dedicated to his athletes. Between 1981 and 1994, we achieved so much together—most notably my world championship gold in the 10,000 meters in 1987. He had this incredible way of pushing people to excel while also making them believe in themselves. He is perhaps the last giant in the traditional coaching method, where hard work and preparation were paramount.
Editor: He had a reputation for his unwavering commitment. You once said, “Nothing came for free for him.” Can you elaborate on that?
Ingrid Kristiansen: Absolutely. Johan believed in hard work and meticulous preparation. Money was never his motivation for coaching; he simply loved the sport and the athletes. He often joked about how he wouldn’t have pursued a career in athletics if it was just about the paycheck. It was about being the best we could be, and that is a guiding principle I carry into my own coaching practices now.
Editor: You mentioned that there were times when you both felt unsupported by the Norwegian Athletics Federation. Can you share more about that dynamic and how you and Johan navigated those challenges?
Ingrid Kristiansen: Yes, there were definitely times when we felt overlooked by the Federation, especially in the early years. Johan was committed to our vision, and he inspired me to believe in it too. His persistence in the face of indifference was remarkable; he taught me that believing in yourself is crucial, even when the world seems against you. There were disagreements between us, but we always came together to find a way forward. It was those challenges that ultimately strengthened our bond.
Editor: Over the years, you continued to maintain contact with him. What would those conversations typically involve?
Ingrid Kristiansen: Those conversations were invaluable. As I transitioned into coaching, I often sought his advice. He was always willing to share his wisdom and experiences. It was more than just sports—he had a way of discussing life and motivations that was profound. He was always there to encourage me, no matter the challenge I was facing.
Editor: As you reflect on Johan’s impact, both on your life and the broader world of athletics, what message do you hope people carry forward?
Ingrid Kristiansen: I hope people remember Johan not just for his achievements, but for his character and dedication. He showed us that success comes from hard work, persistence, and a genuine passion for what you do. I also hope that his belief in the power of teamwork and mutual respect continues to inspire future generations of athletes and coaches.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your thoughts and memories, Ingrid. It’s clear that Johan Kaggestad’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of many.
Ingrid Kristiansen: Thank you for giving me this opportunity. Johan’s spirit will remain with us, and we will honor his memory by continuing to push ourselves and support each other in our endeavors.