Marit Bjørgen will be one of two coaches for the women’s national team, marking significant changes in the Norwegian cross-country skiing leadership.

The 46-year-old has served as a coach for the Norwegian women’s national team for the past two years. During this time, she has been an assistant coach alongside Pål Gunnar Mikkelsplass, both employed at 50 percent capacity. Now, Marit Bjørgen is expanding her role to 100 percent and is eager to tackle a new season. 

“I feel very motivated and am impatient to get started,” she says.

The Norwegian Ski Association is pleased with this development.

“It means a tremendous amount for us that Marit is joining full-time and will be even more involved in our daily operations. As the greatest female Winter Olympian of all time, she brings unique expertise that we can all benefit from,” says cross-country chief Cathrine Instebø in a press release.

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The team is not finalized

Which athletes Bjørgen will have in her squad for the upcoming season is still unclear. On Wednesday evening, 22 athletes, including 11 women, were offered spots on the national team. Several have indicated they prefer to remain outside the team. 

Bjørgen is clear that she wants all the best athletes on the national team. 

“I have been part of the national team for many, many years. If we can gather the best, we will develop together. We have girls with different qualities and strengths, and I believe we can elevate ourselves as a team. But the national team agreements are a matter for Cathrine (Instebø) and Per Elias (Kalfoss),” Bjørgen tells VG.

As an athlete, Bjørgen won eight Olympic gold medals and 18 World Championship golds, along with 114 World Cup victories before retiring in 2018.

One of two coaches

On Wednesday, it was announced that Mikkelsplass is stepping down from the coaching team. However, Sjur Ole Svarstad, who has been the head coach of the women’s team for several years, will continue. 

Changes on the men’s side

Last week, it was confirmed that the Norwegian Ski Association will not renew the contract of long-time coach Arild Monsen, against his wishes. 

Eirik Myhr Nossum was also on an expiring contract. It is now confirmed that he will continue as head coach for the elite men’s team next season. 

However, the Ski Association is still searching for a new coach for the men’s team. 

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