A week and a half ago, the gold coach was dropped from the Norwegian national team. Now he may be on his way to Sweden.

Egil Kristiansen has decades of experience as a coach for the Norwegian national team, first in cross-country skiing and for the last ten years in biathlon. The prominent Norwegian coach has been behind athletes who have won numerous championship golds. However, in mid-April, it became clear that the 60-year-old would not have his contract renewed with the biathlon team.

Kristiansen has made it clear that he does not feel finished as a coach, prompting interest in the gold coach. Reports indicate that the Swedish Ski Association has made a move to secure the Norwegian veteran.

Could become National Team Director

In Sweden, there are several vacancies within the cross-country national team, including positions for elite women’s and men’s coaches, as well as a national team director. According to TV 2, Kristiansen has reportedly interviewed with the Swedish Ski Association.

Cross-country skiing expert Petter Skinstad believes that the top position is what the Norwegian coach is aiming for.

“I assume that it is primarily the position left vacant by Anders Byström (national team director) that is relevant for Kristiansen, as he has experience as both a women’s and men’s coach, and can help bring stability to the ranks in Sweden,” says Skinstad.

Egil Kristiansen has declined to comment on the matter.

Widespread discontent

Following the Olympics, which were the worst in decades for the Swedish men and a historic gold fest for the women, there has been widespread discontent within the national team.

Several athletes, including Sweden’s biggest stars Edvin Anger and William Poromaa, have demanded a change in leadership. At the end of March, Byström announced his resignation as national team director, a year before his contract was set to expire.

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