Jørgen Graabak Wins NM Gold in Nordic Combined

Jørgen Graabak Wins NM Gold in Nordic Combined

Published on 23/11/2024 at 15:26 GMT+1

Jørgen Graabak's second-place finish was enough to earn him the NM gold medal at Beitostølen on Saturday. This was facilitated by Estonian Kristjan Ilves finishing first.

The 33-year-old Graabak has been battling numerous injuries in his preparations for the season, including a shattered elbow, a broken arm, a damaged shoulder, and rib fractures over the past few months.

Now, he is poised to enter the World Championship season, possibly his last. Graabak holds two individual Olympic gold medals but has yet to win a World Championship title.

"Of course, I want that. The World Championships at home will be a great experience regardless, but it would be a dream to stand on the podium, preferably at the top. It is something I have thought a lot about during the summer and fall while I have been training on the treadmill with my arm in a sling, rollerskiing without poles, and doing all the unglamorous stuff," Graabak told NRK.

Graabak couldn't compete with Ilves on Saturday, who surprised many expert commentators.

"A bit surprising, but very pleasing," said NRK expert Magnus Moan about the Estonian victory.

Ilves led by six seconds and was never caught during the 7.5-kilometer cross-country race. Graabak's second place secured him the gold medal in the NM competition. Østvold took the third place, earning silver.

Espen Andersen finished fourth, receiving a bronze medal.

Ilves, who resides in Norway, is part of the Norwegian Nordic Combined team and is training with them ahead of the Olympics.

Norwegian star Jarl Magnus Riiber did not participate in Beitostølen.

The ski jumping event was completed in February. This Saturday in Beitostølen, the NM gold was finally awarded.

The World Cup will commence next week in Ruka, Finland.

(©NTB)