The successful Norwegian coach behind the private team everyone is talking about finally receives formal recognition.

Emil Hosøy has been awarded the title of “Coach of the Year” for his work with Team Anlegg Øst, the private team behind several of this winter’s biggest rising stars, including Einar Hedegart, Karoline Simpson-Larsen, and Karoline Grøtting. 

Astonishing track record

For the 2025/2026 season, Team Anlegg Øst boasts an impressive track record. 

Two of the team’s six athletes qualified for the Olympics, where they collectively won three gold medals and one bronze. Three out of six athletes have won national championship medals, while four have achieved top-five finishes in the World Cup. Additionally, five of the six athletes have secured podium finishes or victories in the Norwegian Cup or Scandinavian Cup.

In total, the team’s athletes have achieved six podium finishes in the World Cup, including four victories, one second place, and one third place. In the Norwegian Cup and Scandinavian Cup, the team has a total of 15 podium finishes. Furthermore, the team has earned silver at the U23 World Championships, as well as gold, silver, and two bronze medals at the national championships. 

The prestigious award is presented by the Coaches’ Club of the Norwegian Ski Federation. 

“The results demonstrate an impressive breadth and stability, especially considering the team’s limited size and resources,” the Coaches’ Club stated in their announcement regarding the award. 

“It was very nice to be named ‘Coach of the Year.’ For me, the award is primarily a recognition of the work we have done together as a team. I believe in making each other better, and one is completely dependent on good athletes and a strong support system to be a good coach,” says the 34-year-old from Osterøy, Norway.

In an interview with Langrenn.com, Hosøy revealed the details behind the success of Team Anlegg Øst. 

Also Read: “What we do is definitely not in any training manual”

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“Making everything a little bit better” 

His athletes have no doubt: Hosøy’s approach is unique and effective. 

“I don’t think there are many teams in Norway that have a coach present at so many training sessions as we do, or have a coach who is so involved. Emil is good at creating effective training plans, and when he is present at almost all sessions, it ensures quality. You become more focused when you know he is watching what you do,” says Lotta Udnes Weng to Langrenn.com, adding: 

“When every session gets a little bit better, it can collectively make the difference needed to take that final step to reach the top.”

She and her twin sister Tiril are two of three new athletes on the team for the 2026/2027 season. After being dropped from the national team this spring, following seven and eight years, respectively, the Lillehammer-based success team was their first choice for further development. 

Both have shown solid progress since joining the team on May 1 this year. This was particularly evident during the Blink Festival in August. After just two months with Team Anlegg Øst, the twins stood on the podium against the world elite – four times in three days – showcasing a completely different level of technical and physical performance compared to previous seasons.

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Awarded “Coach of the Year”

Now, Hosøy is being celebrated for his efforts with the team at the highest level, receiving the “Coach of the Year” award. 

According to the Coaches’ Club’s statutes:

“Coach of the Year is an honor awarded to a coach who has contributed to promoting the sport of cross-country skiing in accordance with the values and norms established by the Norwegian Ski Federation in its development ladder.” 

The Coaches’ Club justifies the award as follows:

“Emil’s significance extends far beyond the sporting results. The athletes describe him as a coach who always puts their needs before his own while setting clear and high expectations. He is highlighted as dedicated, engaged, eager to learn, and accessible – almost like a coach available around the clock.

The training work is characterized by thoroughness and quality, with carefully planned sessions and close follow-up in daily training. Emil is present at the training sessions, also contributing with practical tasks when necessary, and does everything possible to facilitate the athletes’ performance. At the same time, he creates a positive, inclusive, and proactive training environment, where there is a good atmosphere and strong belief in each athlete’s potential.“

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By chance a coach

Hosøy has completed coaching education through the Ski Federation, in addition to holding a bachelor’s degree from Elverum with a specialization in coaching roles. He has also been part of the cross-country committee in Hordaland Ski Association for nine years. 

However, it was not a given that Hosøy would end up as a cross-country coach. In an interview with Langrenn.com, Hosøy shares that he stepped in as a coach at the local ski club when the previous coach retired after decades in the role. 

“It was actually completely by chance,” says Hosøy to Langrenn.com. 

“After high school in Voss, I moved back to Bergen and was about to start studying. Then the coach in Osterøy, who had been there for 40-50 years, retired, and someone had to take over. So I was one of three who did that. And then it just snowballed from there,” he says.    

As the recipient of the Coach of the Year award, Emil Hosøy receives a diploma and 5,000 kroner in educational scholarship. This is the first time Hosøy has received such an award for his dedicated efforts. 

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