Finally, she put an end to the speculations that had been going on for a longer period of time. Therese Johaug is making a comeback in the ski tracks.
At a press conference in Holmenkollen, she told about her decision.
When I put my skis on the shelf, I felt it hurt a lot inside. I didn't stop because I was tired of training or tired of competing. I loved what I did. But the dream of becoming a mom was so big that I still chose to quit, she says.
"It's okay to make a comeback"
In March 2022, she ended her long and successful career, and more than a year later, she became a mom for the first time. Last winter, she put on her competition suit again and participated in the Norwegian Championships.
How did it go? Absolutely brilliantly. Johaug crushed the opposition and won a clear gold medal on the 30 km. A result that fueled the speculations about a possible comeback.
Now it's clear that this will be the case.
I've now spent two years feeling out if I still want to ski or not. And there's a World Championship in Trondheim. I've always told myself "it's okay to make a comeback, it's okay to make a comeback", says Johaug and adds:
I feel that I'm not really done with skiing.
The fact that the World Championship is taking place on Norwegian soil next year is something she highlights as a very big reason for her decision. It's particularly the 50 km that attracts her. She won't be focusing as much on the World Cup and Tour de Ski.
Without the World Championship on home soil, I wouldn't have made a comeback, says Johaug, who has 14 World Championship gold medals on her merit list.
"She's our old professional measuring stick"
The Swedish national team skiers have been asked several times how they view a possible comeback. Frida Karlsson has previously told TT that she believes the interest in the sport would increase with Johaug back.
I hope she comes back. It would be fun. We're standing with open arms and waiting. She's our old professional measuring stick, she said in March.
Born: June 25, 1988 (36 years old).
Main merits: 4 Olympic Games gold medals and 14 World Championship gold medals. Has won the overall World Cup three times (2014, 2016, 2020).
Current: Making a comeback and aiming for the World Championship in Trondheim 2025.
