The Queen borrowed skis from Johaug

Harald Sonja Johaug Flugstad, 10K classic cross country LøfshusHM King Harald and Queen Sonja congratulate the athletes Therese Johaug and Ingvild Flugstad Østberg (Left) after the 10K women's cross country classic event during the World Championship in Seefeld, Austria. Photo: Tore Meek / NTB scanpix

Queen Sonja borrowed skis from Johaug

HM King Harald and Queen Sonja experienced the best possible start to their World Championships visit. One Gold and two bronze medals were the total «catch of the day» for the Royal Couple.


It was a radiant couple who met the medal winners, Therese Johaug and Ingvild Flugstad Østberg, after the 10K event.

Therese Johaug reveals that the Queen earlier in the day had asked to borrow a pair of skis in order to enjoy a trip in the fine weather.

“I have to borrow to the Queen when she asks. I don’t know which pair of skis it was, but she was very pleased,” the cross country star asserts.

After the cross country event, they went straight the ski jumping hill. There King Harald and Queen Sonja witnessed a historic Norwegian bronze medal in the inaugural women’s team event.

On Tuesday night the Royal Couple meets practitioners and support staff for dinner.

Unbeatable Johaug won another World Championships gold medal

Therese Johaug delivers as was expected beforehand, but faced stiff competition from Sweden’s Frida Karlsson on the 10K classic cross country event. Ingvild Flugstad Østberg secures a bronze medal for Norway.

With two out of two possible wins, the queen of cross country skiing is still unbeaten in distance races this season. She ensures, at the same time, that Norway has hoarded six out of seven possible cross country skiing gold medals so far during the World Championships in Seefeld.

19 years old Karlsson from Sweden came into a strong second ahead of Østberg.

“It was tough to ski out there. I felt that it was a heavy day at work, I really had to fight with myself and against the clock. I half-felt that I lost seconds here and there. When I got to the poling stretch and heard that the distance was four seconds, a little devil appeared inside of me. I told myself to get a grip. I was focused as I neared the finish. The gap was 12 seconds at the finishing line, I’m very happy,” Johaug tells a complete press corps after the event.

She is full of admiration for the junior, Karlsson, who was beaten by 12.2 seconds.

“I knew Frida was going to perform well today. She is good at classical skiing. It is incredibly impressive,” she explains.

“It’s absolutely amazing. I’m in a state of shock. It’s so cool to be able to do your best at a World Championship!” Karlsson exclaims.


© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
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