Helene Marie Fossesholm’s surprising exit has been met with shock and sadness in the skiing community. But from a former archrival comes a sharp jab.

Helene Marie Fossesholm is receiving support from both competitors and former teammates after Tuesday’s shocking news that she is retiring — at only 24 years old.

Read More – Norwegian star announces retirement: “I’m following my heart”

But from a peer and ex-rival comes a biting remark.

“Goodbye, Helene – it was interesting competing with you. You became the first true cross-country skiing star among those born in this century,” wrote Veronica Stepanova on Instagram.

“Can’t win anymore? No motivation to train? Then it’s time to quit – even at 24.

I hope your approach becomes an example. As for me, I’m heading to a mountain training camp — I’m not tired of it yet,” continued the outspoken and controversial Russian skier.

Stepanova is active on social media and often takes shots at former competitors, especially at the ban on Russian athletes.

Rivals

Although Russian athletes have been banned from international cross-country skiing since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Stepanova and Fossesholm had already faced each other many times, first at the Junior World Championships in 2019 and 2020, where Fossesholm defeated Stepanova in all seven races.

Later, they met again at the senior level in the World Cup and the 2022 Olympics.

At the senior level, Helene Marie Fossesholm claimed a relay gold medal at the 2021 World Championships in Oberstdorf, where she skied the anchor leg. In the same championship, she also finished sixth in the skiathlon, eighth in the 10km freestyle, and 25th in the 30km. She also achieved two World Cup podiums, both in the 2020/2021 season.

Could be on her way back

Now, the Russians see a potential opening for a return after the IOC decided to allow participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics under a neutral flag. It is now up to FIS to decide whether to allow Russian athletes to compete in the World Cup, thereby qualifying them. The organization remains divided, and a final decision has been postponed until October 21.

Also Read: “The Russians become much better, several may now be Olympic-ready”

Stepanova, who became a mother at the end of February this year and missed last season, is now aiming for a comeback at the elite level in the upcoming season, less than a year after giving birth for the first time.

Read More:
Program for cross-country skiing at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
Cross-country skiing World Cup: Calendar for the 2025/2026 winter season

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