Dropped from the Norwegian national team, Fossesholm made a powerful comeback last winter. Now she’s aiming for the 2026 Olympics – with a World Cup wildcard in her pocket and Johaug as her ace up the sleeve.

She secured a valuable ace when she won the overall Scandinavian Cup. That victory gives her a free spot for the entire first period of next season’s World Cup – gold in the battle for an Olympic spot. Now, Helene Marie Fossesholm intends to make the most of that opportunity.

So far, the 24-year-old Norwegian has credited her father Øivind as the key behind her comeback. But now, according to Langrenn.com, she reveals there’s someone else working behind the scenes: Karstein Johaug – the younger brother of Therese. He was a rock in his sister’s success and has now helped Fossesholm improve her technique, especially in classic style.

“I owe him a lot for my technical development, especially in classic. Karstein is extremely good at giving the right feedback and instructions, so I understand what I need to change. He gives concrete advice and tips. He sees solutions,” Fossesholm told VG.

Also Read: National team rejection became a turning point

A Golden Spot

This year, the free spot from the Scandinavian Cup is worth gold for those with Olympic ambitions for 2026. The selection is based on recent top-level results. Since the championship takes place early in the winter, the first part of the World Cup becomes especially important – a period when Norwegian national team athletes are prioritized for selection.

After being dropped from the Norwegian national team last spring, Fossesholm has trained independently – with her father as head coach.

And this winter, she delivered her best results in years: earning a place in the Tour de Ski squad, winning silver in the Norwegian Championships sprint at Gåsbu, a couple of top-10 World Cup finishes, and a reserve spot for the World Championships team. All this despite a serious knee injury in September that threatened to ruin the season before it even started.

Also Read: Thanks the Swede after dream comeback: “She’s truly genuine”

No Return to the National Team

Despite her comeback, Fossesholm still didn’t earn a spot back on the Norwegian national team this year. She continues her own path – sticking to the same formula. But the goal remains the same: the 2026 Olympics.

The last time she was selected for the Olympics, in 2022, she returned home disappointed before the championship ended and didn’t compete again that season. Now she hopes the next Olympic winter will have a better outcome.

After this season’s comeback, Fossesholm received several offers from other elite training groups. She turned them all down. She doesn’t dare to switch.

“I love the social aspect of a team, but it’s about feeling secure. Last year, I didn’t know what I was getting into, but I carved out a path with my dad. The last thing I need now is someone questioning something that I can see is working. There’s been a lot of insecurity and overthinking in the past seasons,” Fossesholm says.

Read More: “The entire season could be at risk”

Being Dropped Became the Turning Point

There’s no doubt that the training and new setup are working. Fossesholm has had her best season since 2021.

The season opener in Beitostølen didn’t go as planned, but the following week she made her season debut with a win in the 10km freestyle and second place in the 10km classic at the Norwegian Cup opener in Gålå. That secured her a free spot in both distance events in the World Cup in Lillehammer.

There, she achieved her best World Cup result in three years: In December 2021, she finished fourth in the exact same event at the same venue. This time, she placed eighth.

She then earned a spot in the Tour de Ski squad, won Norwegian Championships sprint silver at Gåsbu, had a few top-10 finishes in the World Cup, and was named a reserve for the World Championships team. Still, no national team spot.

And just last week, she took bronze in MTB at the Norwegian Championships.

But this young athlete isn’t just delivering on the course and in training – she radiates energy and confidence.

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