The Norwegian Ski Association has changed the rule and will allow Johannes Høsflot Klæbo to compete in the World Cup race next season, even though he has given up his place in the national team.

The Norwegian Skiing Association removed the rule that athletes who refuse a place in the national team cannot be selected for the World Cup and Championships for Norway. It happened two days after Johannes Høsflot Klæbo informed that he chose to give up his place in the national team next season. 

In point 205.2 of the Norwegian Ski Association’s rules, it states:

“Skiers who have declined an offer to participate in NSF’s national team shall not be selected by NSF to represent NSF in competitions in the season to which the offer of a place in the national team applies unless there are special circumstances.”

“We hope and believe that they (Ski Association) will change this so that I can go to the World Cup next season if I am good enough to compete,” said Johannes Høsflot Klæbo on Sunday.

And it seems that this is the case, at least for Klæbo. 

On Tuesday, the Ski Association held a meeting to discuss the rule. The outcome of the meeting is that the rule will remain as it is today but that the Skiing Association will make an exception for Klæbo. He will be allowed to attend the World Cup even if he has turned down the national team.

“Johannes Høsflot Klæbo is the world’s best skier, and he will surely be the best next year as well. If he skis fast, he goes to winter too,” says Tove Moe Dyrhaug to TV2 after the meeting. 

Klæbo is not the only cross-country skiing star who has chosen to turn down the national team. Also, Astrid Øyre Slind, who won two medals during the World Championships in Planica this winter, and the sprinter Kristine Stavås Skistad chose to be outside the national team. 

On Monday, the Ski Association presented the cross-country national team selection for the coming season. Here is the Norwegian National Team for Season 2023/2024.