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Teammates on the national team think it hurts not to see Ingvild Flugstad Østberg on the starting line this winter.
BEITOSTØLEN (Nettavisen): Last week it emerged that the health team of the Ski Federation had denied Flugstad Østberg the start for the entire season.
In a press release, the association stated that the Norwegian cross-country profile must undergo a rehabilitation consisting of a follow-up with the coaches of the national teams, physiotherapists, doctors and nutritionists.
Flugstad Østberg has struggled to find the right balance when it comes to exercise load and nutrition over time, and now the health team has put the foot into practice.
However, he has high hopes of returning to the Olympic season next year.
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– She thinks it’s boring
Unlike Flugstad Østberg, Therese Johaug is in Beitostølen, where there is a national season opener this weekend.
Johaug thinks it’s a shame his colleague on the national team won’t be able to compete this winter.
– First of all, I feel very sorry for Ingvild, who is in the situation she is in. I know how much he loves skiing and racing, Johaug tells Nettavisen.
Johaug confirms that they talk together about the situation Østberg is in.
– Ingvild and I have an open and honest dialogue. Both as teammates and good friends.
– How did you get the latest news?
– She thinks it’s boring. I know exactly what it feels like to not be able to ski. Although there were other reasons, he had not gone to a single ski race for two years. You have to try to turn things into a positive, look ahead, not dig deep and see the opportunities you have now, says Johaug.
She believes Østberg should now have the Olympic season as her big goal.
– It’s just a matter of finding peace at home and taking the measures you need, then you will be back next winter, says Johaug.
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Reacted with frustration
Johaug is far from the only one who finds it boring to hear that Østberg will not be able to compete this winter.
National team coach Ole Morten Iversen says it was with great regret that he received the news that Flugstad Østberg had been denied the start of this season.
– We take note. I get disappointed, angry, and a little angry when I get that message. At the same time, I have full confidence in the health team and I respect the decision. If they say this is what you have the best now, then this is it. Then there is nothing to discuss. I feel like Ingvild has that attitude too. Now she has a lot of time to go back and be a good skier again. It was a bit up and down last year, Iversen tells Nettavisen.
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Finding the right balance when it comes to nutrition and exercise load is a challenge many athletes face.
The national team coach believes that the management of the national team is good enough to advise athletes to find the right balance.
– It’s probably more about individual athletes not being good enough to follow the advice they get. This applies to Ingvild and. She has been good at many things, but maybe not at all. Whether it’s training or other things, it is up to the athletes themselves. I think you have received the advice that you should have given, says Iversen.
Østberg herself declined to comment further on the situation she is in, but said in a press release last week that she is fully determined to fight back.
– I will work to get back to what gives me the best energy in the world, racing skis, adjusting the training and making sure the nutritional intake is good enough over time, says Flugstad Østberg.
The cross-country ski season begins on Friday with the opening of the national season in Beitostølen.
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