She considered giving up her dream of cross-country skiing. Now Julie Bjervig Drivenes is doing the unthinkable: two podiums in two days – and a sensational victory that shook the national team elite at Beitostølen.

It’s been two years since the pre-World Championships in Trondheim, where Julie Bjervig Drivenes collapsed and had to withdraw from both distance races. Since then, a lot has fallen into place for the 26-year-old from Norway.

On Saturday, she delivered a sensational third place in the classic race at Beitostølen. On Sunday, she went one better and won the freestyle race, crushing pre-race favorite Heidi Weng.

Also Read: Super talent with a close win at Beitostølen 10km freestyle

“It’s been an incredible weekend. It’s honestly indescribable. To make the podium at Beitostølen for the first time is a milestone for any athlete. To make the podium twice is even crazier, and to win… that’s on another level,” she says to Langrenn.com.

“And it’s a World Cup and Olympic season and all that. There’s so much I haven’t even managed to take in yet. This is what we work for as skiers.”

Why now?

“That’s a good question. I don’t feel like I’ve done that much differently, but sport doesn’t move in a straight line – it comes in big steps.”

“I’ve been doing much of the same for the past two years since joining Konnerud. I’ve stuck to what I believe in and focused on my strengths. And I think that pays off.”

Succeeding outside the national team

What does it mean to succeed outside the national team?

“It means we’ve done a good job. I chose to go to Konnerud, and there I found an environment that thinks the same way I do. It was a match from day one.”

Reunited with her successful coach

Drivenes joined Team Konnerud ahead of last season, coming from the regional team Elon Oslofjord, where she had Tinus Dahl as her coach.

The same year Drivenes moved to Konnerud, Dahl joined the national development team. When that team was shut down after last season, Dahl moved to Konnerud as well.

“The craziest thing about Tinus… The most important thing for me is the coach–athlete relationship. We clicked on a very special level when he coached me before. He sees me as more than just an athlete and helps me find calm and confidence in myself. And he enjoys training the same way I do,” she explains.

“We work with technique, physical training, and things beyond just running uphill. We found something fun that we love doing together, and when you find someone, you can ‘play’ with them like that, you can move mountains.”

Considered quitting

At the same time, she admits the thought of giving up has crossed her mind.

“Oh, I’ve been there. Financially, it’s tough being 26 and dependent on mom and dad,” Drivenes says.

“I have some sponsors who help me as well, and I’m forever grateful. It makes a big difference, but I can’t live off it. I wouldn’t be doing this without my parents and my boyfriend’s family.”

How will you celebrate this week?

“I’m going to the cabin with my boyfriend and family, talk to some friends, and try to take in the fact that I actually won at Beitostølen,” Drivenes tells Langrenn.com.

“But I don’t have much time. There are more races already next weekend.”

Those races are expected to be in Finland, where the World Cup opener in Ruka takes place from November 28 to 30. On the program: 10km classic, classic sprint, and 20km mass start freestyle. And the breakthrough star from Beitostølen will be there!

Read More: Norwegian national team for the Ruka World Cup premiere

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