Published: December 6,2024,at 14:04 Last updated: December 6,2024,at 14:14
Kaggestad passed away on November 23 after a long battle with illness. He was 81 years old.
The sports figure had great significance for many through his central role in Norwegian sports and his work for TV 2.
Many, including several former colleagues, attended the service at Heggen Church on Friday.Former athletics star Ingrid Kristiansen was among them, as were Thor Hushovd and Dag Otto Lauritzen.
Family friend and neighbor Per Arne Dahl officiated during the service.
– It is possible to be 81 years old without having filled them with much, but Johan has filled his allotted years to the brim. With hard work all the way, family life, and friendships, said Dahl.
– Had a lot to prove
Children Martin,Mads,and Pia also shared touching stories in the church.
– He appeared to many as strong and authoritative, but he was also very vulnerable. He succeeded in much; you could perhaps describe him as a winner, but I think he saw himself as an underdog. He felt he had a lot to prove all the time, said son Martin.
– Dad lived an extraordinarily rich life, but he was never concerned with status, he added.
The children also expressed the relationship between the sports figure and his late wife Jeanette.
– They were inseparable.Without mom,dad was nothing,was part of the description.
Son Mads also spoke about his father’s significance.
– Dear dad. I am incredibly proud of you. Before you got sick, I thought, ‘who in the world am I going to turn to the day you are gone?’. I feared this day. You were an incredibly important conversation partner, he said.
The coffin with Kaggestad was finally carried out of the church to the sounds of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.”
A life with sports
For many, Kaggestad became synonymous with summer and cycling. When TV 2 started its cycling initiative in 2003, Kaggestad was the man who guided Norwegians through hours of Tour de France on screen.
For his sharing of knowledge and passion for France, Kaggestad was appointed a knight of the French Order of Arts and Letters in 2012.
kaggestad grew up in Oslo, where he was active in several sports. he was once part of the junior national team in cross-country skiing, and as a football player, he participated in the NM final for Lyn’s junior team and played a few matches for the senior team.
However, it is as a runner that he made the most impact. He was once part of the athletics national team, but in competition with runners like brothers Arne and Knut Kvalheim and Per Halle, he never established himself at the top.
In the running community, he became best known as a coach. He was the national team coach for nine seasons, which resulted in 13 medals in the Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships. He particularly succeeded as a coach for Ingrid Kristiansen, who held the world record in the marathon for a long time.
Received honorary award
He also supported Jack and Grete Waitz throughout the latter’s career, which ended with nine victories in the New York Marathon and world Championship gold in 1983.
Outside of athletics, he has also been a physical trainer for Vålerenga’s men’s football team, part of Peter Müller’s support team for the speed skating national team, and sports coordinator for several summer sports at Olympiatoppen.
Kaggestad, who was educated as a diploma economist from BI, was involved in starting the shoemaker Nike’s efforts in Norway in the 1970s.
He was also a pioneer in using physical activity in the treatment of psychiatric patients and worked part-time on this at Modum Bad for many years.
In October 2022, Kaggestad was awarded the honorary award from the Norwegian Sports Journalists’ Association.
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What were Johan Kaggestad’s most significant contributions to Norwegian sports as an athlete and coach?
Interview with Time.news Editor and Sports Historian Dr.Eva Solberg
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Solberg. Today, we remember a significant figure in Norwegian sports, Johan Kaggestad, who recently passed away. His life and contributions spanned generations. From your viewpoint as a sports historian, what impact did Kaggestad have on Norway’s sporting landscape?
Dr. Eva Solberg: Thank you for having me.Johan Kaggestad was indeed a monumental figure in norwegian sports. Beyond just his achievements as an athlete and a coach, his influence was profoundly felt through his work with TV 2 and various sports initiatives across the country. He brought sports into the living rooms of countless Norwegians, fostering a deeper connection to athletic events and inspiring new generations of athletes.
Time.news Editor: It’s clear his legacy goes beyond his personal achievements.Can you elaborate on how he influenced the next generation of sports figures in Norway?
Dr. Solberg: Absolutely. Kaggestad was a mentor to many athletes, including renowned names like Ingrid Kristiansen and Thor Hushovd. His encouragement and support helped elevate the standards of Norwegian athletes on the global stage. He had a unique ability to see potential in others and a profound commitment to nurturing that talent. This mentorship was crucial, particularly in a country where sports can sometimes take a backseat to other cultural elements.
Time.news Editor: His children shared that he often felt like an underdog despite his many successes. How does this narrative contribute to his legacy?
Dr. Solberg: That underdog mentality resonates with many people, especially in the world of sports where not every victory is guaranteed. It makes him relatable and cultivates a sense of humility. Many who achieve great things can sometimes be blinded by success, but Kaggestad’s awareness of his vulnerabilities allowed him to connect authentically with both fellow athletes and everyday people. His son Martin’s comments about his father’s continual drive to prove himself illustrate a compelling aspect of his character—the idea that striving for more is a lifelong journey, not merely a destination.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned his media work. How did his role with TV 2 redefine the sports broadcasting landscape in Norway?
Dr. Solberg: Kaggestad played a pivotal role in bringing sports coverage to a wider audience. His engaging commentary style and in-depth analysis helped elevate the profile of sports events in norway. He humanized athletes and turned games into stories that resonated with viewers on multiple levels. his passion for sports transformed the way people consumed athletics, making it more accessible and exciting.
Time.news Editor: The recent memorial service for him was packed with former colleagues and friends, highlighting his impact on people’s lives. What does this say about how he was perceived within his community?
Dr. Solberg: The turnout at his memorial reflects the deep respect and affection people had for him. It speaks volumes about his character, as he wasn’t simply an influential figure in sports but a cherished member of the community. The fact that so many people, including former notable athletes, spoke at the service illustrates the significant role he played not just in sports, but in fostering relationships and friendships throughout his life.
Time.news Editor: With the passing of such a figure, what should the Norwegian sports community focus on moving forward to honor his legacy?
Dr. Solberg: Continuing Kaggestad’s commitment to mentorship and community engagement woudl be a perfect tribute. Investing in youth programs, promoting inclusivity in sports, and encouraging a culture where athletes support one another are vital steps. Additionally, broadcasting sports in a way that highlights the human stories behind the athletes, similar to how Kaggestad did, will keep his legacy alive. His life teaches us the importance of passion, resilience, and community—the very foundation upon which sports thrive.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Solberg, for sharing your insights on Johan Kaggestad’s remarkable life and legacy. Your perspective helps us understand the significant void his passing leaves in the Norwegian sports community.
Dr. Solberg: Thank you for having me. It’s critically important to remember and celebrate the lives of those who shape our cultural narrative, like Johan Kaggestad.