Olympic Hopefuls Push for Selection After Strong Tour de Ski Performances
The fate of Norwegian skiers Emil Iversen and Mattis Stenshagen hangs in the balance as the national team prepares to finalize its Olympic roster,despite recent remarkable showings at the Tour de Ski. Both Iversen and Stenshagen were initially not named to the Olympic team, prompting a wave of discussion regarding form versus pre-steadfast selection criteria. Iversen, who has faced challenges in recent seasons, delivered a remarkable third-place finish on the final stage of the Tour de Ski, a performance that has ignited debate over his exclusion. “If I’m not selected for the Olympics now, then I just have to put the whole thing down,” Iversen reportedly told Viaplay, expressing his frustration and questioning his future in the sport. He added that the upcoming National Championships (NM) in skiing will also factor into the final decision.
Stenshagen, fresh off a stage win on Sunday, believes his performance has unequivocally earned him a spot. “There is no longer any doubt now,” Stenshagen stated to Nettavisen.”I bet there will be a conversation over the weekend. Now we have finished the tour and will land here. Then I will have a chat with Arild Monsen and Eirik Myhr Nossum over the weekend.” He intends to directly advocate for his inclusion,asserting that he has met the necessary criteria. “The Olympic summit has a say and a hand in the game here. So if I don’t hear anything over the weekend, I will at least have good arguments for not being taken out,” he emphasized. Stenshagen plans to discuss the matter with coaches on Monday.
Image: Terje Pedersen (NTB)
When confronted with the coach’s continued insistence on waiting until the NM to finalize selections, Stenshagen expressed his disagreement. “I don’t think anything of that. So I’m going to have a chat with him tomorrow, and hopefully I’ll get the go-ahead then,” he said.
National team coach Eirik Myhr Nossum remains tight-lipped about the selection process. Responding to Stenshagen’s expectation of a weekend call,Nossum simply stated,”We have each other’s phone numbers.” He clarified that the team maintains “a good dialog” with Stenshagen and acknowledged his strong performance at the Tour de Ski. Nossum confirmed that the squad of eight men’s runners will not be finalized until after the National Championships. He added that saturday’s team meeting was productive, stating, “We have had a vrey good dialogue with the athletes…our aim is to compliment a squad and we have some ideas about how the distribution should be.”
While acknowledging the unique nature of the Alpe cermis stage, Nossum noted that strong performances in any race are valuable. “it is always better to go to good ski races regardless of whether it is here or there, but it is clear that this is a special ski race,” he said.
Another national team coach, Arild Monsen, praised Iversen’s resilience. “Emil has had to try himself a few times. And it’s…hello, what happened? To be able to stand up like that in that headwind here, it must feel absolutely crazy for him,” Monsen commented. He refrained from discussing the Olympic selection directly,stating,”We have a good dialogue with those involved.” Monsen conceded that the selection process is challenging and that all athletes are aware of the potential for debate.
Studio expert Therese Johaug, speaking on Viaplay, unequivocally supported the inclusion of both Iversen and Stenshagen. “I have to give praise to Emil iversen. I had never imagined him, in that uphill and in skating, taking that third place,” Johaug said, highlighting their recent form as justification for Olympic selection.
The coming days will be critical as coaches deliberate and athletes await their fate,with the National Championships looming as a potential final opportunity to impress the selection committee.The final decision will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and observers alike.
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