Sport, Lillehammer Sports Association | This is the new manager: – I’ve seen what works, and maybe doesn’t work as well

The former long sprinter Joachim Prøsch Johnsen was recently elected chairman of the Lillehammer Sports Association. He is the 29th leader of the association since 1919, and takes over the helm from Stine Lombnæs.

– I have many good memories from the time at Lillehammer IF. I see the fact that I now have the opportunity to contribute as chairman as a gift. I would like to give something back, says Joachim.

From sprinter to ultra runner

He was part of those years, when LIF had a good group of boys with Leif Cato Larsen, Lars Bratberg, Dagfinn Moen, Thomas Kjæreng, Magnus Gjerde and Didrik Bakken. They collected many UM and junior NM medals during the time they were part of LIF. Joachim remembers particularly well the Main National Championship on home ground in 1995.

– If I have to bring up an extra strong memory, it has to be the final place in the 400 meter hurdles. It was great to run into fourth place at Stampesletta, he says.

The almost 52-year-old little hammer has not forgotten his old running skills.

– The time for sprinting is over. The body can no longer tolerate the explosive movements, but ultra running, on the other hand, is something else. Long tough distances have become a favourite. A short time ago I ran an 85 kilometer ultra race along magical Loch Lomond in Scotland, he says.

About the distance

Joachim is married to Lene Bergli. Together they have children Mia (18) and Håkon (16). Both focus on athletics. The family lives in Oslo where Joachim works as a strategy consultant at the firm Arcwright. He does not see the distance as a problem to carry out his new role at the club.

– We have family in Lillehammer in addition to a cabin on the mountain. It only takes a couple of hours by car, so it will work well, he says.

– What can you contribute as chairman of the board?

– The most important purpose of LIF is to develop an arena that gives sports enjoyment to children and young people. That they experience mastery from being part of the athletics environment. With experience as an athlete myself, and as the father of two active children in various clubs, I have seen what works, and perhaps doesn’t work as well, he says.

Focus on the width

He believes Lillehammer Sports Association has a good future.

– The economy is good, and we have a great facility in Stampesletta. The grandstands and the surrounding area are somewhat worn, so it would have been nice to have the tires raised a bit. Otherwise, the focus will be on gathering as many children and young people as possible. If we gain a good breadth, it will also be easier to continue with athletics in senior age. Coaching expertise also comes into play here. We have skilled trainers today. We must keep them, but also recruit more, says Prøsch Johnsen.

Joachim wants a larger number of participants at the Veidekkelekene.

– This event has a long tradition, and has brought together the whole of Athletics Norway since the 1980s. Unfortunately, the number of participants has fallen gradually, especially after the corona, but we will work to increase it again. Maybe we won’t see the results of the work this year, but hopefully next year. The wooden toys have great potential, says the new chairman.

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