“Super-Svendsen” has found a whole new life.

In spring 2023, Emil Hegle Svendsen and his fiancée Samantha Skogrand ended their relationship after ten years together. However, the biathlon star has now found love again, this time with Ingrid Helene Rødal (37) from Hustadvika.

“It has been absolutely fantastic. I feel like the luckiest man in the world. I hit the jackpot. She is my dream woman, plain and simple. I can hardly find the words to describe how lucky I feel,” Hegle Svendsen told Klikk.no.

Met on Instagram

“We met by following each other on Instagram, where I saw a sweet blonde face. I went in and looked at her pictures, and then things just took off,” says Hegle Svendsen.

Now the couple lives together, and the former biathlon star has embraced a completely new life.

Both have two children from previous relationships, so every other week they are a family of six, and on the alternate weeks, they focus on each other as a couple.

Hegle Svendsen is enjoying this arrangement.

“It’s absolutely magical,” says the 41-year-old.

Misses the “insane rush”

Emil Hegle Svendsen retired in 2018, the same year as Ole Einar Bjørndalen, after 13 seasons on the World Cup circuit. With nine Olympic medals, including four golds, and 12 World Championship golds, he is one of Norway’s most decorated winter sports athletes.

Even though “Super-Svendsen” has retired from biathlon, he hasn’t lost his competitive edge. He still competes when the opportunity arises and admits there are aspects of being an athlete that he misses.

“It’s the insane rush. When you work hard for a goal and then achieve it. I miss that feeling. But I don’t miss being a biathlete. I’m done with that,” he says.

The story continues below.

Brutal transition to everyday life

Hegle Svendsen candidly admits that the transition to a “normal life” after retirement was brutal. As a top athlete, he had lived in a bubble.

“Everyone around you is there to support you. It takes a whole team for you to pursue your goals. Then everything flips upside down when you step out of that bubble. Suddenly, you are just an ordinary man who has to take care of your family and children. The roles are reversed, and you become part of the support system for your family.”

At the same time, Hegle Svendsen says that the experiences from elite sports have helped him move forward in life. Now, the 41-year-old works as a property manager at Arctic, overseeing commercial properties in Eastern Norway.

Back in competition mode

Hegle Svendsen is now back in competition mode for the inaugural edition of “Mesternes Mester Team,” alongside former biathlon star Liv Grete Skjelbreid.

This is Hegle Svendsen’s second time participating in Mesternes Mester. His first appearance was in 2020, when he was eliminated before the finals, something he regretted, but he thoroughly enjoyed the concept and praised NRK for the experience.

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