Cross-country skiing: Heidi Weng in tears after Fossesholm’s retirement: “Very good friends”

Helene Marie Fossesholm’s decision to retire at age 24 has stunned the Norwegian cross-country team.

Heidi Weng admitted she cried upon hearing the news. “She has to make that choice herself, and if it’s right for her, I support it. We are very good friends,” Weng said.

Despite a few tough seasons, Fossesholm was known for her high potential when everything clicked. She had completed much of the preseason training that began in May, and Norway’s season opener in Beitostølen is only six weeks away in this Olympic season.

Fossesholm kept the decision private until revealing it in a long Instagram post on Tuesday. From the team camp at Hafjell, cross-country legend Marit Bjørgen told NRK she was very surprised, having seen Fossesholm train well and in good spirits this autumn.

Therese Johaug, 37, learned of the decision on Monday and called it a major surprise. “It’s a big decision to quit right before the season starts,” said Johaug, who will serve as an NRK expert this coming season. After a one-year comeback, Johaug ended her own career for good in the spring—an unexpected move since many thought she might finish at the 2026 Olympics in Italy.

Norway’s current squad is anchored by 34‑year‑old Weng and 37‑year‑old Astrid Øyre Slind. Fossesholm held a press conference today and said she felt relieved after going public. “There have been many tears and I’ve been very sad,” she said, describing a difficult summer and autumn.