Cross Country Skiing
World Ski Championships Begin with a Special Performance
February 26, 2025 / Sport1
The Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim have begun with a qualification race featuring multi-talented athletes from smaller cross‐country nations. Haitian athlete Celine Marti made her debut in cross-country skiing after competing in alpine events, while Brazilian Jacqueline Mourao – a veteran of both summer and winter sports – also participated. The article highlights an exciting start to the championships and previews big crowds expected for upcoming relay events.
Johannes Kläbo Fired Up by Yle Expert’s Remark – Jasmi Joensuu Dismisses the Controversy
February 26, 2025 / Yle
The article discusses concerns over the condition of the skiing tracks in Trondheim on the eve of the World Championships. It details how icy conditions forced adjustments in training for both the Swedish and Finnish teams, while debates over potential sabotage were quickly dismissed by top figures such as Johannes Kläbo and Jasmi Joensuu.
Kerttu Niskanen Withdraws – Coach Explains Decision: 'That's the Only Reason'
February 26, 2025 / Yle
Finnish cross-country skier Kerttu Niskanen has withdrawn from Sunday's combined race at the 2025 World Ski Championships in Trondheim to focus exclusively on the traditional 10km race scheduled for Tuesday. Her coach, Ville Maunuksela, explained that Niskanen did not believe she had a realistic chance to win in the combined event, and that this decision is solely a tactical focus on the 10km race.
Forget Iivo Niskanen – Experts Outline Finland’s Top World Championship Medal Prospects
February 26, 2025 / Yle
Yle’s experts argue that it is time to move on from Iivo Niskanen as Finland’s leading medal hope. Instead, they discuss emerging talents and alternative athletes who they believe will be the country’s strongest contenders at the upcoming international World Championships in cross‐country skiing.
More Details on the Norwegian Team’s ‘Mess’ – Sprint Star Out of World Championship Opener
February 26, 2025 / Yle
Norwegian cross-country sprint star Erik Valnes has been forced to withdraw from the World Championship opener due to lower back pain. The incident, part of a broader series of issues affecting the team—including illnesses among coaches and other athletes—has led to his replacement by Ansgar Evensen, while concerns also loom over Finnish skiers Iivo Niskanen and Perttu Hyvärinen.
Medal Candidate Erik Valnes Withdraws from World Championship Sprint Due to Injury: ‘The Pain Will Hinder Erik’
February 26, 2025 / NRK
Erik Valnes, one of Norway’s leading contenders in cross-country sprint events, has been forced to withdraw from the World Championship sprint due to a back injury sustained during training. Experts warn that the injury, described as an acute back pain, could keep him sidelined for several days, jeopardizing his medal hopes in other distances as well. The Norwegian team remains optimistic despite the setback, with reserve Ansgar Evensen set to take his place.
Rovaniemi Skiers Have Medal Prospects at the Nordic World Ski Championships Despite Health Concerns
February 26, 2025 / Yle
Reijo Jylhä, the head of the sports academy, outlines the medal hopes for skiers from Rovaniemi at the upcoming World Championships in Trondheim. With Iivo Niskanen’s participation in doubt due to health issues, rising talents such as Jasmi Joensuu and Lauri Vuorinen, as well as Johanna Matintalo, are expected to attract attention. The article also stresses the challenge of staying healthy amid intensive preparation and travel.
Kristine Stavås Skistad Fears NRK’s New World Championship Gimmick: ‘It’s a Crisis’
February 26, 2025 / NRK
At the Ski World Championships 2025 in Trondheim, a new concept will require gold medal winners to deliver an unscripted speech in English live on TV from downtown. Cross-country skier Kristine Stavås Skistad criticizes the idea, fearing that her poor English skills will make the moment a ‘crisis’, while some of her competitors, such as Swedish sprinter Maja Dahlqvist, appear more prepared for the change.
Svahn Aims for Her First World Championship Medal: 'Fighting for the Gold'
February 26, 2025 / Sveriges Radio
Despite being the most successful Swedish competitor on the World Cup circuit, Linn Svahn has yet to win a medal at the World Championships. With an injury‐free season that has allowed her to plan her schedule exactly as she intended—even though holding back her peak form at times has been frustrating—she is now determined to fight for the gold at the upcoming World Championships.
Nordic World Championships: Cross-Country Skier Gimmler Misses the Start
February 26, 2025 / Sportschau
German sprint specialist Laura Gimmler will miss the opening race of the Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim due to health issues and baggage delays. Despite a recent podium finish in Cogne, her withdrawal—along with several teammates affected by illness—poses a setback for the German team.
Trondheim-based Juuso Haarala Dropped from the Team – Surfaces on the Track Wearing a World Championship Bib
February 26, 2025 / Yle
Juuso Haarala, a skier residing in Trondheim, was bitterly dropped from the Finnish sprint team despite his determined efforts to secure a spot for the World Championships. Nevertheless, he unexpectedly reappeared on the track wearing the bib (number 64) reserved for championship practice and offered his help with ski testing and tactical preparations.
Meteorologist’s World Championship Worries: 'It Can Get Really Tough'
February 26, 2025 / Sveriges Radio
Meteorologist Thomas “Cirrus” Mårtensson, representing the Swedish Olympic Committee, has raised concerns about potentially adverse, wet conditions at the upcoming Ski World Championships in Trondheim, Norway. His warning comes ahead of the freestyle sprint event for Swedish cross-country skiers, with the races set to be broadcast live.