Therese Johaug reported back impressively. © NTB / LISE ASERUD

Therese Johaug is back – and how

Therese Johaug exceeded all expectations in her comeback: The cross-country skiing superstar dominated the competition at will at the Norwegian championships, but then didn't let herself be seen in the cards and kept all alternatives open.

March 23, 2024

From: leo

All of Norway looked to Lillehammer on Saturday, where one of the most successful cross-country skiers of all time made her comeback on the big stage after a maternity break: Theresa Johaug. The 35-year-old took part in the 30-kilometer race as part of the Norwegian championships. She made the competition look quite old and won with a lead of almost three minutes over the American Sophia Laukli. The Norwegian Magni Smeedas came third.

The fact that such a big lead was possible has to do with the format: the athletes started individually and not all together, as in the World Cup. Be that as it may: Less than a year after the birth of her daughter, the almost 36-year-old showed that she is still the measure of all things.

Is she coming back?

After the race, the four-time Olympic champion, 14-time world champion and 82-time World Cup winner was of course asked whether she would return for the next World Cup season - especially since the World Championships are coming up in Trondheim in 2025.

“I haven’t decided yet,” emphasized Johaug. “My gut feeling has to be 120 percent right. Part of it is sport. However, my family is much more important. “I’m no longer the first priority,” said the Norwegian. Her husband Nilas Jakob Hoff also doesn't know what Johaug will ultimately decide to do. "I don't know it. I ask and ask but get no answer. I believe she can make this decision herself without us influencing her,” said the 39-year-old. So the tension remains high.