Won World Championship gold in 2022. Now she is retiring from cross-country skiing.

The 26-year-old from Sandnes secured gold in the relay at the U23 World Championships in Lygna in 2022. She skied the first leg for the Norwegian team, which also included Håvard Moseby, Andreas Fjorden Ree, and Kristin Austgulen Fosnæs. She also finished 16th in the 10-kilometer classic at the same championship. 

Mari Folkvord is now retiring from her cross-country skiing career. 

“It is bittersweet to let go of the sport that has been a significant part of my life for over 20 years,” she writes on her Instagram account.

Folkvord also expresses her gratitude to everyone who has supported her, especially her parents. 

“Competing in cross-country skiing (especially in snow-scarce Rogaland) requires parents who are fully committed. You have been there for everything – traveled countless kilometers, waxed many skis, cheered like crazy, and covered most expenses. This journey would never have been possible without you,” she writes. 

Has made skiing history

The gold from the U23 World Championships in Lygna is her most significant achievement. Folkvord was never a standout as a junior. Her best placement in the junior national championships was 21st in the 15-kilometer freestyle. In the Hovedlandsrennet, she finished 125th.

However, Mari Folkvord has made her mark in skiing history. When she was selected for the U23 World Championships in 2022, she became the first athlete from Sandnes ever to qualify for a World Championship in cross-country skiing. 

Half of the team has retired

Of the three other members from the 2022 World Championship relay team, two are still competing: Andreas Fjorden Ree and Kristin Austgulen Fosnæs. They are now regulars on the elite national team.

Håvard Moseby was on the junior national team for five years, represented Norway in the Tour de Ski and several World Cup races, and was close to qualifying for the World Championships in Trondheim last year. However, just before Easter, the 26-year-old from Kjelsås unexpectedly announced his retirement.  

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