The Norwegian women’s national team training camp at Mosetertoppen is nearing its end — without Kristine Stavås Skistad – again. Now, the national team hopes to find a solution to the situation.

This week, the entire women’s national team is gathered at Mosetertoppen—everyone except Kristine Stavås Skistad. Norway’s strongest contender for Olympic sprint medals is training alone at home.

A loss for all sides

Both national team coaches, Sjur Ole Svarstad and Marit Bjørgen, as well as the rest of the athletes, agree they would prefer to have her at the camp.

Not only because she, as Norway’s biggest sprint star, could contribute valuable insights to others, but also for her own benefit.

“I think the girls have a lot to learn from her, and I also think they could contribute something to Kristine as well. But she feels very confident in what has worked before and what she’s doing in Konnerud. So that’s what she chooses. Still, we absolutely want to have her with us,” says Marit Bjørgen to Nettavisen.

Hoping for a solution

Her teammates also miss her presence.

“She’s by far the best sprinter in Norway, and we would have needed her at camp. We want to reach the same level she and the best internationals are at,” says Lotta Udnes Weng, before adding:

“When she doesn’t want to join the camp, we just have to accept it. We still have a great group here, and we’ll do a good job. But yes, we would have preferred to have her here.”

Julie Myhre, who made significant progress last season, respects Skistad’s choice but hopes for a middle ground in the future.

“I know what it means to make decisions that feel right for yourself, and I really respect that. But if we could find some middle way or solution, that would be very interesting from my point of view,” says Myhre.

A non-negotiable condition

Skistad’s absence from Norwegian national team training and camps outside the competition season is nothing new.

When the 26-year-old agreed to return to the national team before last season, she set one non-negotiable condition:

She would continue training under her personal coach, Lage Sofienlund, in her home club — as before — without being required to attend team sessions, training camps, or promotional activities before the World Cup opening in late November.

She reiterated that condition when she re-signed with the national team in April. Therefore, it’s unlikely the national team will see much of Kristine Stavås Skistad before the national season opener at Beitostølen.

Chasing gold

Skistad herself has been clear about her goal this season. At the World Championships sprint in Trondheim, she won silver, finishing behind Sweden’s Jonna Sundling. In the team sprint, she and her partner were beaten by Sundling and Maja Dahlqvist.

Afterwards, Skistad was open that silver wasn’t her dream result.

“I’m looking forward to resuming that project,” Skistad told Langrenn.com during the national team presentation in April.

Crucial for the Olympics

The national season opener at Beitostølen takes place November 21–23. The three races there will serve as the basis for selection to the World Cup opening in Ruka the following weekend.

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