Bjørn Magnussen, the Norwegian speed skater, has signed a one-year contract with Team Essent, marking a new chapter in his professional career.
De Telegraaf, a Dutch news outlet, reports on the latest developments in Magnussen’s career.
The 28-year-old sprinter experienced a breakthrough last season by clocking a time under 34 seconds in the 500 meters, achieving 33.99 seconds and becoming the first Norwegian to surpass this milestone. His achievements include winning a bronze medal at the European Speed Skating Championships and placing 13th in the 500-meter event at the Olympic Games.
Magnussen expressed enthusiasm about joining Team Essent, stating that he views the opportunity as a significant step forward in his development. He acknowledged the valuable experiences gained from nine years with the Norwegian national team and coaches such as Jeremy Wotherspoon, but emphasized his readiness for a new environment and new teammates, which he believes will help him grow further as an athlete.
Relocating to the Netherlands, Magnussen will become a full-time member of the team coached by Jac Orie and Sven Kramer and will travel with them to training camps both domestically and abroad. Although racing under Team Essent, he will continue to represent Norway in ISU competitions, wearing his national suit featuring the Essent logo.
Reflecting on his personal milestones, Magnussen recalled the excitement of breaking the 34-second barrier, which had been a childhood dream influenced by his family’s interest in speed skating and admiration for Jeremy Wotherspoon’s world record time. He shared an anecdote about purchasing Crocs in the Netherlands during summer ice training and decorating them with pins displaying his record time, 33.99 seconds, which he wore until he achieved it in competition. He described the accomplishment as surreal and expressed pride in being counted among the fastest speed skaters worldwide.
