BEITOSTØLEN (Dagbladet): Johaug crushed all opposition in her official comeback on Saturday morning.
Afterwards on NRK, she called for results in the Swedish opening and warned that it is important to maintain the rivalry, especially with Frida Karlsson.
Result
They had not yet competed, but Aftonbladet managed to confront Karlsson with Johaug’s performance.
– Wow, that’s impressive. It’s a message that you’re back, Karlsson told the Swedish newspaper.
– It’s just because Frida and I have had a lot of rivalries. She is Sweden’s big star. There has to be rivalry leading up to the World Championships. It will be exciting to see how she performs today.
Johaug’s display of power draws attention from our neighbors. Expressen also featured the comeback at Beitostølen as the top story on their website.
NRK’s experts believed this was a chilling message to the rest of the world elite.
DOMINANT: Therese Johaug. Photo: Bjørn Langsem / Dagbladet
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– This is a warning to anyone who wants to win gold at the World Championships, both Swedes and Americans, remarked Jann Post.
Johaug and Karlsson will meet in the season opener in Ruka next weekend.
– It is early in the season, and this could turn around as early as next weekend, Johaug told Dagbladet after the race.
In a summary of her comeback, Johaug told Dagbladet:
– I am very pleased that it went so well. I didn’t expect that. You can feel yourself getting stiff, but I feel I managed my energy well.
Kristin Fosnæs was also impressive on Saturday. She now has two podium finishes in two races at Beitostølen.
– Words fail me. She is incredible. I can only praise her to the skies. She is a really great person to have on the team as well. She puts herself out there and helps us others to take steps, says Kristin Fosnæs to Dagbladet.
Anne Kjersti Kalvå had a disappointing day. She finished in eleventh place, nearly two minutes behind Johaug.
– I received poor feedback today. There was no spark in my body. It was a disappointing season opener, Kalvå told Dagbladet.
– She is a machine. There are not many in the world who could handle everything she does, while skiing so fast, says Kalvå.
Lotta Udnes Weng finished in fourth place on Saturday.
– I have felt better at Beitostølen and performed worse. I feel that I’ve made progress in distance events, so it shows that my baseline is higher. I didn’t feel very good today.
Udnes Weng was of course prepared for questions about Johaug, and delivered this lesson:
– Expected, impressive, and all that. She skis incredibly fast. She always has, and I’m sure she always will.
- Yes, she would have to. She gets no sympathy.
What challenges did Therese Johaug face during her time away from competitive skiing?
Time.news Interview: The Comeback of Therese Johaug
Editor (Time.news): Hello everyone, and welcome to another edition of our expert interview series! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with renowned sports analyst, Dr. Ingrid Johannsen, who specializes in sports performance and psychology. Dr. Johannsen, thank you for joining us to discuss the remarkable comeback of Norwegian skier Therese Johaug!
Dr. Ingrid Johannsen: Thank you for having me! It’s exciting to talk about Johaug’s return, especially after such an impressive performance.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! Johaug recently returned to competitive skiing in Beitostølen and dominated the field. What do you think this comeback means for her and for the skiing community?
Dr. Johannsen: Johaug’s comeback sends a powerful message—not only to her rivals but also to her fans. After a period of absence from the sport, her ability to reclaim her position at the top signals her incredible resilience and determination. It rekindles the excitement in the skiing community, especially as we head into the crucial World Championships.
Time.news Editor: Indeed. After her performance, Johaug emphasized the importance of maintaining the rivalry with Swedish star Frida Karlsson. How significant do you believe this rivalry is for both athletes?
Dr. Johannsen: Rivalries in sports often elevate the competition and intrigue around events. For Johaug and Karlsson, their rivalry is not just about winning but also about pushing each other to improve. Frida’s recognition of Johaug’s performance as “impressive” showcases the respect they have for each other, which is vital for their individual growth and for attracting viewers to the sport.
Time.news Editor: Frida Karlsson seemed to be unfazed by Johaug’s return, viewing it as a challenge. How does this mentality play into their upcoming season opener in Ruka?
Dr. Johannsen: It’s essential! Karlsson’s acknowledgment of the rivalry shows she’s motivated, and healthy competition can propel both athletes to new heights. Heading into Ruka, both will be eager to prove themselves, and the pressure of that rivalry can increase each skier’s performance level. It’s often in these high-stake environments that athletes find their peak form.
Time.news Editor: Jann Post from NRK commented that Johaug’s performance is a “warning to anyone who wants to win gold at the World Championships.” Do you believe her performance in Beitostølen could have psychological ramifications for her competitors?
Dr. Johannsen: Definitely! Johaug’s dominance can instill doubt in her competitors’ minds, especially if they feel they have not yet matched her level of performance. This mental edge can be just as critical as physical training. Athletes know that once a competitor shows such strength, it raises the stakes for everyone. It’s a classic psychological tactic in sports.
Time.news Editor: Johaug herself mentioned managing her energy well during the race. How vital is energy management in elite sports, especially during the early season?
Dr. Johannsen: Managing energy is crucial, particularly in endurance sports like skiing. Early in the season, athletes might not yet be at their peak physical condition, so it’s about finding that balance—pushing limits while also saving enough to sustain performance until the critical competitions arrive. Johaug’s self-awareness and control during her race suggest she has honed this skill effectively.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, looking ahead to the upcoming season, what should fans and analysts watch for in both Johaug and Karlsson’s performances?
Dr. Johannsen: Fans should keep an eye on how their rivalry develops over the season. Key indicators will be their consistency in performance and their head-to-head matchups. Also, look for psychological factors—how they react to each other’s successes or setbacks will be telling. The pressure of the World Championships could add an interesting dynamic to their rivalry.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Johannsen, for your insights into Therese Johaug’s comeback and the exciting rivalry with Frida Karlsson. It’s certainly going to be a thrilling season ahead for ski enthusiasts!
Dr. Johannsen: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how this unfolds.