The fans and experts call them “Vikings.” They come from Norway and show a combination of grit, power, and resilience in each competition, thus living up to the legacy of the fierce warriors of their nation’s history.
They have opened this season with immense success, even though they are missing Aleksander Aamodt Kilde due to injury and Lucas Braathen, whom the disputes with the Norwegian ski federation drove to racing under the Brazilian flag.
Norway proved its skiing quality with legendary names like Kjetil André Aamodt, Lasse Kjus, and Aksel Lund Svindal—today’s generation lives up to the reputation reasonably well. Although the notorious disputes between top athletes and the Norwegian skiing federation sometimes overshadow sports endeavors in the media, it seems that Norwegians know how to spot, rear, and motivate their talents.
Norwegian Skiing Family
The Vikings are known for their close-knit relationships on and off the slopes, with the older champions supporting and mentoring the younger athletes. However, the speed squat is now missing their senior, as Kilde struggles with injuries. The most successful member of the speed squad is Adrian Smiseth Sejersted, who crashed during the official training in Kvitfjell on February 16, 2024, and ended up with shoulder surgery. Injuries throughout his career haunted Sejersted, but he has always fought like a true Viking, finishing multiple times in the top 6 last season before the severe crash. He is sure to be back this season, yet the comebacks for speed skiers after crashes like this are always brutal.
The Technical Team: Friendships and Fierce Competitions
Norway’s technical squad stands out for their skill and genuine friendships that add emotion to every race. One of the racers who has always stood a little apart is Henrik Kristoffersen, one of Norway’s most decorated technical skiers. His impressive resume includes 86 podiums and 30 victories. Kristoffersen is known to be a hard worker racing in slalom and giant slalom. Since July 2022, he has joined forces with his old rival, Marcel Hirscher, and his new ski brand, Van Deer.
Their collaboration, however, has had its ups and downs, with Kristoffersen complaining about his equipment. Yet, this year, they seem to have tweaked everything to perfection. Timon Haugan joins Kristoffersen in the Van Deer squad, steadily climbing up the ladder and finishing in top spots multiple times last season. But the future of the technical team belongs to the youth.
Norwegian Youth: Nurturing the Future of Alpine Skiing
Athletes like Theodor Brækken and Oscar Andreas Sandvik are already showing their talent, representing the future of Norwegian skiing with their impressive European Cup standings and national championships. And Sölden races implied that the two youngsters, Atle Lie McGrath and Alexander Steen Olsen, are in the form of their lives. McGrath returned last season after a severe knee injury and gained three podiums during his comeback season. Olsen steadily proved his rising form in giant slalom, showing a powerful combination of technical skills and determination. However, in slalom, he had quite a few DNFs. In Sölden, this young athlete looked like he had worked on his mental fitness. If that is the case, the Vikings are in for stunning results this season.
