Cross-country skiing : ” My only goal is an Olympic medal “, says Emil Iversen
After leaving his future as a cross-country skier in doubt, Norway’s Emil Iversen announced on Tuesday that he would be continuing his career for a final season, with the ambitious goal of securing a place at the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan/Cortina.
” It may come as a surprise to some, but after a rather long and enjoyable spring, I’m determined to commit myself for another year,” the 33-year-old revealed to NRK‘s .
In doing so, he has dispelled any doubts about his possible retirement. After being dropped from the national team for the 2023/24 season, Emil Iversen tried to qualify for the World Championships in Trondheim (Norway), but failed. He has now set himself a new goal.
” I didn’t manage to qualify for the World Championships in Granåsen. It was a failure. But I was at the Olympic Games in Beijing. I was at the Pyeongchang Games. My only objective is an Olympic medal. There’s nothing else. That’s all I think about.
The Scandinavian will be able to count on the help of someone who knows a thing or two about medals. To prepare for the season, the Norwegian will accompany Johannes Hoesflot Klæbo for most of the high-altitude training sessions.
” I’ve decided to follow a complete programme at high altitude and I’ve had the chance to get a little closer to Johannes. I’ll be able to accompany him on a few high-altitude trips and try to learn from him, who is a pretty good skier. So it’s going to be an exciting year,” says the Scandinavian.
Although Emil Iversen has not yet won his ticket to Italy, he has already set his sights on the 50km classic. A format in which he became world champion in 2021 in Oberstdorf (Germany).
” It suits me perfectly, I’ve already won this event at the World Championships. It would be fantastic to go there and end my skiing career with an Olympic medal in the 50km in Italy in front of all my family, friends and sponsors. That would really be fantastic.
Read also
- “I don’t feel like a world champion”, says Emil Iversen
- Oberstdorf: Johannes Hoesflot Klæbo crowned king of the 50-kilometre race
- Cross-country skiing: Emil Iversen and Johannes Hoesflot Klæbo to train together
