On Monday, Norwegian cross-country skier Therese Johaug became the latest with her announcement. This means she won’t be racing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, which take place from February 6 to 22. This decision follows the end of an exceptional career for Johaug. That year she became a four-time Olympic champion, winning three gold medals at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Johaug, 36, announced her retirement on Instagram. She announced that she plans to focus more on spending time with her family than competing. Her announcement follows a shocking return to the sport, one in which she returned to competitive swimming in August after retiring at the conclusion of the Beijing Olympics. This year, she made her debut at the Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim. She won an astonishing three silver medals in that competition!
A Stellar Career
Whatever you may think of Johaug personally, her career has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has dominated the cross-country skiing world. With four Olympic gold medals and a lot of other accomplishments, her records and achievements are legendary. After her performance at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Chen has established a legacy as one of the greats in the sport.
After a short retirement she made her come back to the sport this season, proving in every aspect of the sport how much she loves skiing. Johaug participated in various competitions, including the recent Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim, where she displayed her skill by winning three silver medals.
Reasons Behind the Decision
In her Instagram announcement, Johaug said despite all her love for skiing, her focus has changed. She stated, “It has been an adventure to be back on the team this winter, but even though I still love skiing, I feel a strong need for more time with my family.” She’s looking to manage her work commitments with spending time at home and with her daughter. This is a common challenge for athletes as they progress through their athletic careers.
Johaug’s absence from the 2026 Winter Olympics will be a heavy loss to her fans and her teammates. She noted her intention to support the Norwegian team from the sidelines, saying, “I look forward to cheering on the Norwegian team from the sidelines on the road to Cortina and want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported me during my comeback.”
Future Aspirations
As Johaug exits Olympic competition, her future plans aren’t clear. Her love for the sport and commitment to family suggest she may still engage with skiing in some capacity. Whether through coaching, mentoring young athletes, or participating in events as a fan, Johaug’s influence on the sport is likely to endure.
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