A cross-country skier has ended her career. © Instagram

In winter sports: This resignation is causing a stir

Just a few weeks before the start of the new season, the retirement of a young athlete is causing a stir in the winter sports world.

09 October 2025

From: det

At 24, you're actually in your prime. The status of a youngster is long gone, and retirement is miles away. Your legs are fresh after every workout, your mind clear, your soul full of energy. Actually. Because there are exceptions – like Norwegian cross-country skier Helene Marie Fossesholm, who decided to make a radical change at the tender age of 24. The world-class athlete announced her retirement completely unexpectedly on Instagram.

This news caused quite a stir in the winter sports scene on Wednesday—and for good reason. Fossesholm was considered a great hope in Norway, a multiple Junior World Champion, a World Cup podium finisher, and celebrated her greatest success in 2021 when she won the gold medal with the relay team at the World Championships in Oberstdorf.

Tears among teammates

"It came as a huge surprise to me. It's a big decision to retire just before the start of the season," said Norway's cross-country skiing legend Therese Johaug, who had recently been training with Fossesholm. "I had to hold back a few tears," said teammate Heidi Wenig. Coach Sjur Ole Svarstad was stunned: "I got goosebumps. It was totally unexpected. We couldn't have imagined this just a few months ago."

Fossesholm at the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing. © AFP / JEWEL SAMAD

And Fossesholm herself? She shared insights into her inner life in a long Instagram post. "Over the past few months, my motivation has fluctuated a lot; unfortunately, I've mostly felt a lack of motivation. My hope the whole time was that this feeling would only be temporary." However, that wasn't the case. "I've always been someone who puts my heart and soul into what I do. If the motivation isn't enough, I don't want to continue because I don't feel good about it," Fossesholm said.

Now she is going to study

A new chapter is now beginning for the 24-year-old – and she already knows exactly where it will lead. "Now another dream awaits me. After Christmas, I'll start my medical studies, and I'm really looking forward to it. It will be a different kind of everyday life, but one I'm looking forward to."