After long periods of chaos and arguing, one piece of good news has replaced the other in recent days.
Now it is peace, reconciliation and community that apply. In cross-country skiing, of course. The economy is strained and the aftermath of the jump-off difficult, but it is gratifying that at least something can be resolved.
Towards a season with a world championship on home soil, the scheme around the stars seems stronger than for a long time.
It is not least related to the most recent signing. Mother herself.
Marit Bjørgen, the Winter Olympic athlete of all time, will now help restore a wounded pride on the women’s side. It simply appears to be the perfect choice for Norwegian skiing.
What she lacks in experience as a coach, she more than makes up for in everything she has experienced on the ski track. Marit Bjørgen knows better than anyone what it takes to succeed when it really matters.
The only strange thing about her now being brought in by the ski association is that it hasn’t happened before.
It is a formidable task to catch up to the Swedish lead on the women’s side, but now it is not on the table in any case. His partner Pål Gunnar Mikkelsplass is also an exciting signing. Together, the two will assist head coach Sjur Ole Svarstad.
There is still an important piece missing for Norway to be as prepared as possible for what will happen in Trondheim this winter. Getting Therese Johaug back on the starting line does not solve the long-term challenges, but in a WC year, all contributions are needed to paint the podium red, white and blue. Although nothing should be taken for granted until the mother of the young child has finally said yes, there is good reason to be optimistic that Johaug will be able to walk the five thousand that she has dreamed of for so long.
For WC manager Åge Skinstad, the latest development must have been exactly what he hoped for. A boost around the Norwegian national cross-country team will soon be felt in ticket interest. Succeeding here is again absolutely crucial for the finances of an association that struggles heavily with the numbers.
Here, perhaps an improved reputation can also have positive ripple effects for sponsor interest in the future. There are certainly many who should take credit for what has happened, but both the new general secretary Arne Baumann and the cross-country boss Cathrine Instebø have obviously had a good start in their jobs.
One of the wisest things the ski association has done has been to replace arrogance with listening more. In the future, they will benefit from the roof of Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and Kristine Stavås Skistad, but without falling into the old trap of double-checking the controls themselves.
In the same way, they have implemented a plan that allows Bjørgen and Mikkelsplass to contribute part-time, following a model that can be reconciled with other duties.
It is modern and constructive management. The difference between how it is and how it has been brings to mind the most famous quote associated with Kåre Willoch. Now everything is going so much better.
Admittedly, the origin of the words is from a book title of a secretary of state and not Willoch himself, but in any case it is the Høyre toppen that is associated with the description
Finally, the leaders are on track. It suits the association to “take a Willoch”.
