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October 02, 2024

Victory Leaps, Financial Flops, and the Great Comeback

Gather ‘round, dear ski fans, for this week’s frosty edition of The Ski Saga, where we’ll glide through thrilling victories, financial woes, and some delightful athlete comebacks!

First up on our snowy agenda, behold Andreas Wellinger, who has crafted his own narrative of triumph. After a heart-pounding second-place ski jump on Saturday, he took off like a caffeinated squirrel to snag victory in Hinzenbach the next day. With a lead so narrow (a mere 0.9 points!), he might as well have been balancing an espresso cup on his head! As he reflects on his soaring weekend, Wellinger now prepares for the grand finale in Klingenthal, hoping to keep his ascent as steady as a golden retriever on a frozen lake. Wellinger celebrating victory

Meanwhile, the FIS Cross-Country Committee convened under autumn leaves to announce changes to the Tour de Ski that include a snazzy climber’s bib equivalent to wearing a superhero cape but significantly less flattering. Now, not only do you get to wear a bib, but you also get a front-row spot at the start line! Prize money extends to the top six competitors, proving that while skiing might not fully fund your retirement, it can at least stretch your wallet a little wider. FIS meeting announcement

In a twist that could rival an old-timey melodrama, we have the slowing media coverage of our beloved cross-country skiing. Gone are the glory days when media outlets showered athletes with attention like confetti at a parade! It seems even Pål Gunnar Mikkelsplass, head coach of the women’s team, believes our skiers are now competing for headlines against soccer sensations like Haaland—because when you’ve got a transformation into a public figure, your past Olympic glories don’t stand a chance against dazzling Instagram posts! Is it time for our skiers to start including yoga poses in their training? Maybe a TikTok dance or two? Media coverage decline

And now for a dose of high drama—Therese Johaug is making waves with her return to competition after a lengthy maternity leave, ready to reclaim her spot on the podium but with a twist. She’s firmly declined an Olympic comeback, likening such aspirations to jumping into icy waters without checking the temperature first. Instead, Johaug is laser-focused on the World Championships in Trondheim, declaring, "Only Trondheim, then I’m retreating to my cozy fjord with a cup of tea!" Who wouldn’t prefer a refreshingly calm fjord over the hustle and bustle of Olympics? Therese Johaug's comeback

And let us not forget the fate of Frida Westman—her knees are undergoing more procedures than a reality star at a cosmetic surgery clinic! This time, she’s recovering from knee surgery number six, a number that makes you wonder if perhaps her knees are an endangered species. But fear not, Westman promises she’ll be just fine, aiming to return to the slopes with grace. Here’s wishing her a speedy recovery! Frida Westman surgery

So here we are, navigating giddy victories, dramatic comebacks, and the occasional existential crisis in the world of Nordic skiing. Raise your mugs of cocoa to the excitement, mishaps, and a thrilling winter season ahead, filled with laughter and lots of jumps! ☕❄️

Wellinger celebrates victory in Hinzenbach on Sunday

Wellinger celebrates victory in Hinzenbach on Sunday

October 08, 2024 / FIS Ski
FIS Cross-Country Committee autumn meetings 2024

FIS Cross-Country Committee autumn meetings 2024

October 03, 2024 / FIS Ski
Media Coverage of Cross-Country Skiing Significantly Declined Since 2018

Media Coverage of Cross-Country Skiing Significantly Declined Since 2018

October 02, 2024 / NRK
Ski Jumper Frida Westman Undergoes Surgery Again:

Ski Jumper Frida Westman Undergoes Surgery Again: "Uncomfortable Pain"

October 02, 2024 / SVT Sport

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