She is not used to being in the media spotlight all the time. Therefore, the 24-year-old from Norway left the country when the debate about her national team position intensified.

Karoline Grøtting had a breakthrough winter but was denied her request to remain outside the Norwegian national team and continue with Team Anlegg Øst.

She enjoys being in the media but didn’t want to be seen as upset about being more or less forced onto the Norwegian national team.

“I love being in the media and want to be there. At the same time, I want to present myself as I am. I don’t want to come off as grumpy, because I’m not,” Grøtting told Østlendingen.

She has already attended a national team camp at Sognefjellet, but the time before she accepted her national team position was both unusual and somewhat challenging.

“There was a lot of fuss around the situation with Anlegg Øst and the national team. But now we have reached an agreement, and the setup is good. I’m really looking forward to the road ahead,” she added to the local newspaper.

Also Read: Norwegian cross-country skiing teams for season 2026/2027

Fled the country

After a season where she broke barrier after barrier, Karoline Grøtting needed a break. She wanted to escape the commotion back home.

“I realized I needed to spend time with my friends who don’t ski, so we can talk about something else,” she said after heading to Mallorca with a couple of good friends.

There, she didn’t have to talk about skiing all the time, and the vacation became the break this year’s rising star needed.

Afterward, she reached an agreement with the national team, and now it’s full speed ahead towards next season and the fight for a spot at the World Championships in Falun 2027.

“I think I handle it well. I just block it out a bit, respond here and there, and try to focus on myself. But I notice it takes a bit more energy than just training in the zone at Lillehammer,” she told Østlendingen about her new situation.

Another piece of news is that sponsors have started reaching out to the cheerful 24-year-old. Previously, it was the other way around.

“I’ve actually noticed that. Before, I had to send inquiries and ask about collaborations. Now, maybe a few more are contacting me. That’s only positive.”

Remarkable breakthrough

It’s rare to see such a powerful breakthrough as Karoline Grøtting had this winter. From an anonymous life in Strandbygda IL in Elverum, she achieved Norwegian Championships silver, victories in the Scandinavian Cup, and a fourth place along with two fifth places in the World Cup.

“It hasn’t fully sunk in yet,” she told the local newspaper.

“Now, there might be more expectations around me and for me. So I hope I can handle it. It’s a bit scary because you fear failure. But I believe you can’t dwell on that thought,” she said.

Her significant success came a bit too late to secure a spot on the Norwegian Olympic team, but if this continues, Karoline Grøtting should be a strong contender for the World Championships in Sweden next season.

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