She says little but seems steadier than ever. Now, the Norwegian sprint star revealed the key change she believes can transform everything.

The season opener at Beitostølen marks the first time Kristine Stavås Skistad has met her national team colleagues since the team presentation in April. But while others run around with nerves on the outside of their suits, the 26-year-old from Konnerud appears calm as can be.

The sprint star, one of Norway’s biggest medal contenders for the Olympics in Milano-Cortina, is convinced that she has taken new steps forward.

Also Read: Skistad storms to classic sprint win at Beitostølen

New coach

Skistad credits her progress to both the work she has put in and the arrival of a new coach this season. Tinus Dahl, previously coach of the now-disbanded national development team, joined her setup this summer.

“Tinus is a fantastic addition,” she tells Langrenn.com.

Specifically, the two have worked extensively on technique in both styles.

“He has helped me get control over myself. He is very skilled in technique and physical aspects. I’ve learned a lot of new things that will be useful,” Skistad says.

Also Read: Coach continues to guide one of Norway’s strongest women’s teams

Dahl comes in addition to Lage Sofienlund, who has coached Skistad since she was 14. Skistad herself says this about their collaboration: “We have a crazy thing going on that’s impossible to explain.”

Looking ahead

The 26-year-old from Konnerud has put last year’s troubled season behind her—a season that began with stomach surgery just a couple of weeks before the Beitostølen opener and ended with a silver medal in the World Championships sprint in Trondheim. Now she feels far better prepared and excited to start the season and the road toward her first Olympic Games.

“I’m in decent shape. I just need to get some races done,” Skistad tells.

What is the plan for the first part of the season, which is so essential for Olympic selection?

“I take it weekend by weekend. But I will race everything all the way up to Christmas.”

Have you thought about what cost you the gold in Granåsen at the World Championships?

“I wasn’t good enough. I did everything I could with everything that happened last year. But the answer is simply that I was too weak.”

What do you think about the sprint course that will be used at the Olympics?

“I know nothing about it. I’ve never been there. But I’ve worked on the skills needed and what it takes to perform well on such a course. Mainly diagonal striding and double poling.”

Crucial for the Olympics

The national season opener at Beitostølen takes place from November 21 to 23. Over those three days, it will be decided which athletes will compete in the World Cup opener in Ruka from November 28 to 30, the first step on the road to the 2026 Olympics.

The race weekend began with a classic sprint on Friday, a 10km classic on Saturday, and a 10km freestyle on Sunday. Two of the three events are also on the 2026 Olympic program: the classic sprint and the 10km freestyle.

The 2026 Olympics will take place from February 6 to 22, but the selection is determined primarily by the first part of the World Cup season. This year, only one event is on the Olympic program during the Tour de Ski.

Read More – Beitostølen season opener: Program and start lists for the 10km freestyle

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