The Norwegian skiing world is processing the news that Johannes Klebo has announced his retirement from the national team, reported by VG. The move marks the end of a remarkable era for a sport that has watched him dominate stages of competition for more than a decade.
In his own words, Klebo explained that stepping away will free the ski association to reallocate resources. He suggested that the federation can now channel funds toward other athletes and programs, potentially reducing the pressure on the team to stay at the summit year after year. He also indicated that during his time with the squad, he observed some individuals in the national setup feeling overlooked or unfairly treated in selection discussions, a sentiment that he believes deserves consideration. (VG)
Klebo stands as one of the most decorated athletes in cross-country skiing. He is a five-time Olympic champion, a nine-time world champion, and a four-time World Cup winner, with three Tour de Ski titles to his name. These accomplishments position him as the most successful male cross-country skier in World Cup history, a record that has defined the sport’s recent competitive landscape. His career has been marked by consistency, resilience, and an ability to deliver under pressure, earning admiration from fans and rival teams alike. (VG)
Beyond his on-snow achievements, the announcement has sparked conversation about preparation routines and team dynamics. Yuri Borodavko, who formerly coached the Russian national cross-country team, remarked on the interest surrounding Klebo’s training regimen and competition readiness. Borodavko expressed a desire to learn more details about the methods Klebo and his coaching team used to prepare for events, signaling the broader curiosity about the practices that sustain such a high level of performance. (Borodavko, as cited by VG)