Therese Johaug (35) is considering making a comeback as a cross-country runner in the coming season. In that case, the WC on home ground in Trondheim will be the big goal for the meritorious 35-year-old.
The possible comeback is also receiving attention outside the country’s borders.
The former Russian cross-country runner Ivan Alypov (42) has spoken about the possible comeback to the Russian Championat, writes Nettavisen.
– Johaug has already shown that she is top. I saw that in an NM race she won by more than two minutes to her nearest competitor, says Alypov.
– I’m tired
He took bronze in the team sprint during the Olympics in Turin in 2006, and has a couple of podium places in the World Cup on his conscience.
Alypov seems to have little interest in a possible comeback from Johaug.
– I’m tired of seeing Norwegians compete against Norwegians. Today, international competitions do not arouse my interest, because our athletes are not there, he says.
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Russian cross-country skiers are banned from international competitions due to the country’s war in Ukraine.
– She has every opportunity
Johaug has previously stated that a decision about next season will come during the month of May, according to NTB. The national team has kept a place open should she decide to bet again.
Pål Gunnar Mikkelsplass and Marit Bjørgen are new coaches in Norway’s women’s cross-country team. Photo: Erik Flaaris Johansen / NTB
Johaug became a mother for the first time a year ago. She retired after the 2022 season.
Last week it was announced that Marit Bjørgen and Pål Gunnar Mikkelsplass have been brought in as coaches for the women’s national cross-country team. Both hope for a Johaug comeback.
– We know Therese’s level. She has every opportunity if she wants to come back. And then I think it’s very positive for the whole team, and that it will create a sense of security and calm, said Bjørgen.
Tags: Russians interested Johaug comeback
