She is pursuing a career in biathlon herself. But she comes from Øystese in Hardanger, Norway, where traditions run deep.

Pinnekjøtt and cozy family Christmas celebrations are part of the package. This year, however, the 24-year-old is breaking with tradition. Hanna Børve will celebrate Christmas in the Italian mountains – together with three others who have all won World Cup races this winter.

Hanna Børve is the partner of this winter’s breakout star, Einar Hedegart. She is herself a talented biathlete, even if there are still a few steps up to her partner’s current level.

“I’m really looking forward to celebrating Christmas in the Italian Alps. Even though it will feel strange to be in Central Europe when Christmas arrives, I’m very attached to home and will probably miss both my family and the smell of pinnekjøtt and other Christmas treats. In late summer, I told my grandmother we’d see each other again at Christmas when I said goodbye to her. Unfortunately, it will probably be Easter before we meet again,” Hanna tells Trønder-Avisa, according to Langrenn.com.

Now that her partner has been given the green light for the Olympics in February, every day counts in the preparations. That’s why there will be no pinnekjøtt and family gatherings this year. Hanna Børve flew to Zurich and met her partner after his World Cup victory in Davos.

Also Read: Eight Norwegian cross-country skiers confirmed for the Winter Olympics 2026

Celebrating with winners only

In Davos, Hanna Børve also picked up Karoline Simpson-Larsen, who could celebrate her first World Cup victory. Her partner, Johan-Olav Botn, who currently leads the Biathlon World Cup overall, will join them after this weekend’s competitions in Le Grand-Bornand.

“The four of us will live together in Lavazè for almost two weeks. Over the next two weeks, there will be two daily training sessions at around 1,800 meters above sea level. There will probably be a bit of Christmas coziness in between as well. Neither Einar nor I have ever spent Christmas abroad and far away from our closest family before,” Hanna says about the setup around the new cross-country skiing star.

The story continues below.

Prize money rolling in

Einar Hedegart’s success is also filling up the couple’s bank accounts. He no longer has to worry about finances for a while, and the same goes for the Botn–Simpson-Larsen couple, who have earned more than one million kroner (about 84,000 Euros) this winter.

Hanna Børve is not only a skilled biathlete herself but also Einar Hedegart’s closest support. She speaks very highly of her partner.

“He is incredibly dedicated to training, rational, and meticulous with details. It’s probably that dedication, combined with several other factors, that has made Einar so fast on skis. He has had some setbacks as a biathlete, but I think he has come out of that stronger,” says the partner, who has also represented Norway.

She got her first biathlon assignment for Norway when she competed at the Youth Olympic Games. She hopes there will be more before the season is over. One of the primary goals this winter is to compete in the IBU Cup.

Stronger on the range

On the shooting range, Einar Hedegart has had several penalty loops. That’s where his partner Hanna is stronger. Her hit percentage surpasses Hedegart’s, who has now put the rifle aside to be as well prepared as possible for the Olympics in February.

Living together is no problem, according to Hanna Børve, who is the boss at home.

“We share the same interests and have a great time together. Einar is tidy and does his share of cleaning and household chores. He probably doesn’t dare do anything else, since he’s the tenant,” Hanna says with a laugh.

She owns the apartment they live in and is prepared for him to buy his way in.

Gets good advice too

Einar Hedegart also gives his partner good advice, even though training is not discussed around the clock at home.

“We don’t talk about training as much as people might think. But he’s good at giving advice and input. He’s also very good at encouraging me, and he has probably felt the pressure himself in recent weeks. Now, however, he can relax a bit, as the Olympic spot seems to be secured after last weekend’s triumph.”

Hanna Børve herself does not expect to be seen at the Olympics. She is, as mentioned, in the middle of her career, and the Games in February clash with home competitions.

“I doubt there will be a trip to Italy for me, as I have several important races during that period. My parents will go, however, and many from Einar’s fan club are also planning to travel. So he’ll probably get good support from the stands if he gets to race one or more distances,” she says.

But first, it’s Christmas at 1,800 meters above sea level in Italy – with the best possible training partners.

Of the four, Hanna Børve is likely the only one not heading to the Olympics.

Einar Hedegart, Johan-Olav Botn, and Karoline Simpson-Larsen will all be back in Italy again in February.

Read More: Hedegart reveals insane VO2 numbers

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