Aksel Lund Svindal and his fiancée.

Strong desire for a baby: Svindal's fiancée quits

They are a glamorous couple in Norway, and now a big change is brewing in the Aksel Lund Svindal household.

26 May 2026

From: det

They are Norway's ultimate sports power couple: Aksel Lund Svindal (43), one of the most successful skiers of all time, and Amalie Iuel (32), one of the country's best track and field athletes, who recently won the gold medal in the 4x400-meter relay at the World Championships. They have been a couple since 2020 and engaged since 2023. And now they want to expand their family.

However, three years ago Svindal and Iuel became parents once before, with the birth of their son Storm. While Svindal had already ended his career at that time, Iuel made an impressive comeback after the pregnancy. The highlight: her participation in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Amalie Iuel is one of Norway's best track and field athletes. © AFP / JEWEL SAMAD

But now the 400-meter runner's career is also drawing to a close. As she explained in an interview with Norwegian radio. NRK She explained that she will retire after this season. "Everything in life has its time. That's why I've decided this will be my last season," said Iuel.

Expanding the family

One of the main reasons for the resignation: the desire to have a baby. "We've reached a point where we both feel we want to expand our family a little and also have time for other things," explains Iuel.

One of the greatest skiers of all time: Aksel Lund Svindal. © APA / EXPA/DOMINIK ANGERER

The 32-year-old has been in top form since her comeback after maternity leave; in fact, she's better than ever. However, Iuel is often plagued by guilt, especially when she has to travel for competitions and is thus separated from her little son, Storm. "Aksel and I are a very good team, and we work together very well. But when you're on the road, you feel the longing and the guilty conscience. Especially when Storm says, 'No, Mom, you can't fly again.'"