The Swedish star defeated Therese Johaug at the World Championships on home soil. Now, Ebba Andersson fears that the marathon focus may become too challenging for the Norwegian skiing star.

Therese Johaug is an endurance phenomenon, as she has repeatedly demonstrated on the ski trails. She has now also proven that she can compete at the top level in running.

Ever since her impressive performance at the Copenhagen Half Marathon, where Johaug was the fastest among all European women, she has hinted several times that she is tempted to try for the 2028 Olympics, where the distance is double that of the half marathon.

“She ran incredibly fast at the half marathon in Copenhagen, so it’s absolutely reasonable,” says her arch-rival Ebba Andersson to SVT regarding the 38-year-old’s ambitions.

“It’s intense and inspiring. She’s doing incredibly well. So, we can only be impressed,” says Moa Ilar.

The 29-year-old Swede is one of the few who have managed to beat Therese Johaug on skis.

“Can her body handle so much?”

However, there are now several voices urging Johaug to reconsider her Olympic marathon dream. Andersson is one of them.

The Swedish ski star has struggled with knee injuries for over a decade and is concerned for Johaug. She doubts whether Johaug’s body can withstand the demands of training for the marathon.

“We all know she has the foundational capacity. So I hope her body can handle it. Cross-country skiing is more forgiving, so is her body strong enough for all the hours of running she will need to put in?”

Keeping the door open for 2030 Olympics

For their part, both Swedish stars say that competing in the marathon is out of the question.

“In the marathon? Forget it. Absolutely not,” says Andersson.

“No, running is not my sport. No doubt about that,” says Ilar.

At the same time, they do not rule out the possibility of meeting again with race numbers.

“It will probably be at the 2030 Olympics, in cross-country skiing. If she feels like going back to skiing again,” says Andersson.

Warnings from multiple sources

Andersson is not the only one concerned about Johaug’s new major pursuit. Many are now urging Johaug to think carefully. Norwegian experts have also come forward to warn the former cross-country star.

Also Read: Johaug urged to be careful

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