The Norwegian skater expressed confidence after a strong performance at the World Championships, highlighting the importance of competing without pressure and looking ahead to upcoming challenges including trail running.
Schaatsen.nl, published in the Netherlands, reports on the skater’s reflections and future aspirations.
The athlete noted that the excellent first day of competition boosted her confidence for the 1500 meter event. Coming into the World Championships not as a top favorite allowed her to compete with a relaxed mindset, which she found beneficial. She said that skating without pressure is what suits her best.
In both races against her competitor Takagi on Sunday, the outcomes unfolded as planned with her coaches. Over the five-kilometer distance, she felt very confident, reflecting on a winter in which this race went smoothly. She has competed in four five-kilometer races this season, including the one on Sunday, winning three of them. These victories included the Norwegian Championship title, a World Cup win, a bronze at the Olympic Games, and the top spot at the World Championships finale.
Expressing pride in her achievements, she said that today a dream came true. Looking ahead to next season, she acknowledged having no concrete plans yet and intends to take some time to consider her future. She emphasized that she does not intend to quit skating at this time. However, she remarked that financial support for the sport in Norway is limited, which creates uncertainty and decreases motivation. She hopes that her recent successes may attract more sponsors and improve the situation for Norwegian speed skating.
Despite the need for rest, she revealed she has signed up for an upcoming challenge in a typically Norwegian sport, trail running. The event, a 42-kilometer sky race with significant elevation changes, will take place in Lofoten in northern Norway—a region she has never visited before. She expressed excitement about the new experience, accompanied by her characteristic cheerful smile, known to fans as the queen of Norway on the ice.
