The Norwegian cross-country skier Anne Kjersti Kalvå is setting her sights on winning World Championships gold on her home turf in 2025. Her strategic advantages include a rigorous high-altitude training regimen and a close-knit collaboration with her friends Tiril and Lotta Udnes Weng.

Training and Friendship: The Winning Formula

Following a week-long gathering in Oslo and Fredrikstad with her national team colleagues, Kalvå has returned to Trondheim, where she trains alongside several elite female athletes. Among them, the twins Tiril and Lotta Udnes Weng have become her trusted training partners. Their friendship and cooperative approach to training have proven invaluable to Kalvå’s development as a rising star.

Anne Kjersti Kalvå acknowledges the significance of this bond, stating: 

“It is very important. We just got home from a long trip together. We train well and help each other a lot” she says.

Aligned Training Plans and High-Altitude Ambitions

Kalvå reveals that she and her friends synchronize their training plans despite having different “good sessions.” Spending extensive time together both on and off the training field, they acknowledge the risk of becoming tired of each other’s company, yet their strong friendship persists.

“I have been with Tiril and Lotta every day this week. We are very good friends, who help and support each other enormously,” she says.

Additionally, Kalvå emphasizes the importance of high-altitude training in her preparations for the World Championships in early 2025. While the efficacy of altitude training has been debated in the cross-country skiing community, Kalvå speaks positively about her experiences at 1.800 meters altitude in Italy.

“I’m planning to undertake three high-altitude camps before the season begins. One camp will be solo this summer, followed by two with the national team in the autumn. Each camp will last around three weeks,” she discloses.

Kalvå’s response to altitude training is resoundingly positive. She feels that it enhances her performance and boosts her capacity. Moreover, the meticulousness and focus required in high-altitude environments contribute to her success.

“I raise a notch every time I’m at high altitude. It has a positive effect on my capacity. In addition, I think there is another element that turns out positively. We are cautious about everything we do at altitude and take care to be on the plus side. That probably also has a lot to say,” she says.

A Champion’s Ambitions

Reflecting on her achievements in the previous season, which included winning her first World Cup race and securing three World Championships medals, Kalvå unequivocally identifies the relay gold as the most significant and memorable experience of her career.

Read More: Anne Kjersti Kalvå wins the 20km mass start race at the World Cup in Lahti

“The relay gold clearly meant the most. It was the coolest day of my entire life. The four of us had faith and were able to carry it out. It was huge,” she enthusiastically recalls.

Looking ahead to the World Championships in Trondheim, Kalvå predicts that the Swedish skiers, particularly Ebba and Frida, will be formidable opponents. She also anticipates the emergence of talented German skiers and the potential appearance of new contenders as the event draws nearer.

At home, Kalvå feels exceptionally motivated and eagerly awaits the opportunity to compete for World Championships gold on her home soil.

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