Markus Rooth emerged as teh standout star at the recent Idrettsgallaen,held in Trondheim Spektrum,where over 7,000 attendees gathered to celebrate Norway’s top athletes and coaches. The 23-year-old track and field athlete clinched three prestigious awards: “Breakthrough of the Year,” “Male Athlete of the Year,” and “Name of the Year.” Rooth expressed his gratitude, stating, “It’s surreal that you have chosen to vote for me as the name of the year.” His remarkable achievements, including winning Olympic gold in the decathlon last summer, have solidified his status in the sports community. Rooth thanked his family and team, emphasizing the collective effort behind his success.The 2025 Idrettsgallaen celebrated outstanding achievements in Norwegian sports, honoring exceptional athletes and contributors. Among the highlights, the women’s handball team, featuring stars like Nora Mørk and Stine Oftedal Dahmke, was named Team of the Year.Per Terje Knutsen received the Ildsjel award for his dedication to Åfoss and Omegn Idrettslag, while Stine Oftedal dahmke was recognized as Role model of the Year. Aida Husic Dahlen was awarded Female Para Athlete of the Year, and Jakob Ingebrigtsen took home the Athlete’s Athlete award. Thorir Hergeirsson was named Coach of the Year,and the late Johan Kaggestad was posthumously honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award,celebrated by his son,Mads Kaggestad. The event showcased the spirit of sportsmanship and community in norway.Jakob Ingebrigtsen has been awarded the prestigious “Athlete’s Prize” at the 2025 Sports Gala, a recognition steadfast by votes from fellow athletes. This marks Ingebrigtsen’s fifth accolade at the event and his third win of this particular prize.Celebrated for his remarkable achievements in 2024, including gold medals in the 5000 meters at the olympics and European Championships, as well as breaking the world record in the 3000 meters, Ingebrigtsen expressed gratitude to his peers and emphasized the inspiration he draws from young athletes. His heartfelt message highlighted the importance of enthusiasm and joy in sports, encouraging the next generation to pursue their dreams.The annual sports awards have highlighted exceptional talent across various disciplines, celebrating both individual athletes and teams that have made significant impacts in their sports. Notable nominees for “Athlete of the Year” include Karsten Warholm and casper Ruud, while the “Team of the Year” category features the celebrated Håndballjentene and the paracurling team. Emerging stars like Markus Rooth in athletics and Eirik Langedal Breivik in orienteering are recognized for their breakthrough performances. The awards also honor outstanding para-athletes, with aida Dahlen in table tennis and Tommy Urhaug in the same sport leading the nominations.This year’s event promises to shine a spotlight on the dedication and achievements of Norway’s sports community, inspiring future generations of athletes.Solfrid Koanda, a 26-year-old weightlifter from Grimstad, has been honored as “Female Athlete of the Year” after her remarkable achievements, including winning Norway’s first Olympic gold in weightlifting as 1972 at the Paris Games. In addition to her Olympic success,Koanda also secured three gold medals at the European Championships last year,showcasing her rapid rise in the sport just four years after committing to weightlifting full-time. During her acceptance speech, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to the jury and her supporters, emphasizing the significance of this recognition in her athletic journey.Thorir Hergeirsson, the celebrated coach of Norway’s women’s handball team, has been honored as “Coach of the Year” following his remarkable 15-year tenure, which culminated in an notable eleven championship titles. In his farewell speech,he expressed gratitude to the jury and reflected on the team’s achievements,including winning both Olympic and World championship gold medals in his final season. The Norwegian women’s handball team also received the prestigious “Team of the Year” award, marking their tenth win as the award’s inception in 2007. Hergeirsson’s legacy is firmly established as he steps down, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in women’s handball.stine Oftedal Dahmke, the celebrated handball captain, has made headlines after being awarded the prestigious title of “Årets forbilde” (Role model of the Year) at a recent ceremony. The 33-year-old athlete, who led her team to victory at the Paris Olympics, announced her retirement from the national team following this monumental achievement. Oftedal Dahmke’s journey from a shy player to a prominent leader has inspired many, showcasing her dedication and resilience in the sport. As she steps away from the game, her legacy as a role model and champion will undoubtedly continue to influence future generations of athletes.Tommy Urhaug has made history by winning his second Paralympic gold medal in table tennis singles at the Paris Games, twelve years after his first victory in London. This remarkable achievement was celebrated as he received the prestigious title of “Male Para Athlete of the Year” at the recent sports gala, marking a record 23 years since his first award in 2003. Urhaug expressed his surprise and gratitude, stating, “It’s fantastic to stand here again and win such an award,” highlighting the emotional significance of his journey in adaptive sports.Aida Husic Dahlen, a standout in para table tennis, celebrated her remarkable achievements at the 2024 Paralympics, where she secured a silver medal in singles and a bronze in doubles, bringing her total to three Paralympic medals. “This is huge for me,” said the 34-year-old athlete, who expressed her joy after nearly a decade of nominations for the prestigious “Female Para Athlete of the Year” award. Additionally, Per Terje knutsen was honored as the “Volunteer of the Year” for his dedication to fostering a vibrant sports community in Åfoss, moving many to tears during the award ceremony. His commitment to creating an inclusive environment for local athletes was highlighted by the jury,showcasing the spirit of sportsmanship and community engagement that defines the Paralympic movement.
Discussion between Time.news Editor and Sports Expert
Time.news editor: Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re diving into teh highlights of the Idrettsgallaen 2025 held in Trondheim, where Markus Rooth emerged as a notable figure, clinching three major awards. What do you think this means for the future of Norwegian athletics?
Sports Expert: It’s a monumental achievement for Rooth—winning “Breakthrough of the Year,” “Male Athlete of the Year,” and “Name of the Year” all in one night! It’s not only a personal victory for him but a reflection of the burgeoning talent in Norwegian sports. His Olympic gold in the decathlon last summer has truly set the stage for a luminous future, both for him and for the sport in Norway.
Editor: Absolutely! His reaction, stating, “It’s surreal that you have chosen me as the name of the year,” indicates how humble and grounded he is despite this immense recognition. how vital do you think this humility is in the eyes of young athletes?
Expert: Humility is crucial. It humanizes athletes and makes them relatable to aspiring young competitors. Rooth’s acknowledgment of his family and team showcases a fundamental aspect of sports—it’s a collective effort. This can inspire emerging athletes to understand that success is not solely about individual talent but also about support and collaboration.
Editor: Speaking of inspiration, another highlight from the gala was Jakob Ingebrigtsen receiving the “Athlete’s Athlete” award. With his impressive record, including gold medals and a world record in the 3000 meters, how do you see his role in motivating young athletes?
expert: Ingebrigtsen’s influence cannot be overstated. He not only excels but also takes the time to express gratitude to his peers, reinforcing community values in sports. His message about enthusiasm and joy resonates with young athletes, encouraging them to pursue their dreams passionately, just as he has. It’s a vital reminder that athletic pursuits should be enjoyable.
Editor: The gala also highlighted achievements across various disciplines, celebrating both winners and nominees. How do events like this shape the sports narrative in Norway?
Expert: Events like the Idrettsgallaen are essential for shaping the narrative of sports in Norway. They not only honor achievement but also shine a spotlight on underrepresented sports and athletes, such as para-athletes like Aida Husic Dahlen and community figures like Terje Knutsen. This broader recognition helps to foster a culture of inclusivity and appreciation for all forms of athletic achievement.
Editor: That’s a great point. With emerging stars like rooth and Eirik Langedal Breivik being recognized for their breakthrough performances, what does this say about the future of athletics in Norway?
Expert: It suggests a healthy pipeline of talent coming through the ranks. Recognizing their achievements so early can galvanize support and sponsorship, leading to improved training facilities and resources.Norway’s commitment to nurturing a diverse range of athletes will ultimately elevate the overall standard of competition, not just within the contry but on the world stage.
Editor: Indeed, it’s a bright time for Norwegian sports. As we look ahead, there’s a palpable excitement about who will emerge next and how these athletes will continue to elevate sports in Norway. Thank you for your insights today!
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s a thrilling time for sports in Norway, and I’m looking forward to seeing how these young athletes develop in the coming years.