Northug delivers stinging jabs, and Halfvarsson fires back full force. The Olympic rivals don’t miss the chance – here’s how the cheeky phone duel unfolded.

Two aging men with chronic back problems, both outside their national teams: Swedish skier Calle Halfvarsson is fighting for a spot at the 2026 Olympics, while his archrival Petter Northug believes he should be Norway’s first choice – in every event.

When Halfvarsson recently called Northug, the Norwegian was on his way to the chiropractor. Here’s how it went:

“They say it just takes a small adjustment for me to beat you next season,” Northug tells his rival.

“Oh yeah? Then I guess they’re swapping out your entire spine? With that of a 25-year-old?” the Swede shoots back.

Stinging jabs delivered live

The conversation quickly turns to the 2026 Olympics, where Northug claims he should be a lock for the team.

“If I race for Norway, it’ll be with Johannes (Høsflot Klæbo) on the last leg of the relay. Medal in the 50km. In the team sprint, I’ll take the first leg, Johannes the last. In skiathlon, I’m probably a top-10 candidate on a good day – even on a bad one,” Northug says.

Halfvarsson laughs heartily and asks: “Are you already ready for all distances?”
“Yes, now I am,” Northug replies.

Knowing that Halfvarsson is not among the five Swedish skiers who have been pre-approved for this winter’s Olympics in Italy, he adds:

“And you?”

“Yeah, I’m probably ready too, I hope. It’s a bit different in Sweden. There, you’re basically in by default,” Halfvarsson says a bit hesitantly.

Also Read: Five Swedish cross-country skiers confirmed for the 2026 Winter Olympics

Northug doesn’t miss the chance to rub salt in the Swedish wounds:

“Yes, the Swedish men’s team has terribly poor depth,” he says.

“That’s true. So, I consider myself ready even without a spine transplant. I’m so youthful that I don’t need to replace anything at all,” Halfvarsson replies.

Northug continues:

“In Sweden, it’s so easy to get into the Olympics that you can leave the national team, be a full-time father of two, and just sign up the day before.”

“Exactly,” Halfvarsson laughs in response.

Northug ends the call, and Halfvarsson comments:

“Well, now we’ve got his Olympic campaign on record.”

Read More: Calle Halfvarsson leaves the Swedish National Team – Shifts focus

Must change citizenship

Petter Northug won four Olympic medals – including two gold – before retiring from World Cup racing in 2018.

But if Northug wants to compete in the Olympics this winter, it must be for another nation. The veteran has, this past winter, explored the possibility of racing for countries such as Austria and Mexico, and he’s still in dialogue with Mexico. Northug confirmed this himself last week.

Time, however, is running out for the 39-year-old when it comes to the upcoming Winter Olympics. Still, Northug hasn’t given up hope of ending his comeback career at the 2027 World Championships in Falun.

Read More: Petter Northug: Olympic hope still alive for 2026

If so, the two rival-friends may get one last showdown on skis. The Swede has, after all, set the home championship as the final chapter of his active career.

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