Cross-country skier Harald Østberg Amundsen (23) is not allowed to play in Beijing. On Monday, 18 new athletes received a China ticket.
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– It was actually a bit like I had expected. Sjur Røthe has done better than me lately. I had a blemish in the Tour de Ski at 15 kilometers free, which should have been avoided if I were on the right side of the Olympic squad, says Amundsen to VG.
The cross-country management has chosen to give Anne Kjersti Kalvå, Mathilde Myhrvold, Pål Golberg and Sjur Røthe the last four places in the Olympic squad.
– It’s very cool. I am really exited. As it was in the Tour de Ski, it feels like I have something in China to do. But it was even, so I am happy that it went my way, says Røthe to VG.
He understands if Amundsen is disappointed, but is in no doubt that the 23-year-old will get chances later.
– Harald is still young and promising. He had barely won the World Cup last year before taking the World Cup medal. He is probably the most promising of the young people we have in Norway. He has qualities that go beyond many of us, says Røthe.
In the same race in Oberstdorf that Amundsen missed, came Root on the podium.
– I have ambitions to fight for a medal, says the veteran from Voss.
Amundsen tok bronze in 15 kilometers freestyle in Oberstdorf a year ago, and was nominated for “Breakthrough of the Year” at the Sports Gala. But the Olympic debut will come in Italy in 2026 at the earliest, as it looks now.
– I have given everything in each race to get on the right side, so it is hard to be wrecked to a goal you have had in your head, but the squad that has been taken out is right. You are always disappointed when you do not achieve goals and achieve dreams. But I do not lie and cry, says Amundsen.
– I tried to do everything, but there were people who were better than me. The Olympics in Italy can be the perfect timing for me.
No place has been found for Ragnhild Haga, who is defending champion at 10 kilometers, after the triumph in Pyeongchang four years ago.
The Olympic Summit presented these twelve in second outings on Monday afternoon.
- Cross-country skiing: Pål Golberg, Sjur Røthe, Anne Kjersti Kalvå and Mathilde Myhrvold
- Biathlon: Filip Fjeld Andersen, Sivert Guttorm Bakken, Emilie Kalkenberg, Karoline Knotten, Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold
- Ice skates: Martine Ripsrud, Julie Nistad Samsonsen
- Snowboard: Hanne Eilertsen
The third withdrawal will take place on 18 January. The Beijing Olympics start on February 4.
These six were selected for the Paralympics, which start on March 4:
- Curling: Jostein Stordahl, Ole Fredrik Syversen, Sissel Løchen, Geir Arne Skogstad and Mia Larsen Sveberg.
- Biathlon: Nils Erik Ulset
Previously, 47 athletes were selected for the Olympics:
Curling (men):
- Markus Høiberg
- Magnus Nedregotten
- Torger Nergård
- Magnus Vågberg
- Steffen Walstad
Curling (mixed double):
- Magnus Nedregotten and Kristin Moen Skaslien
Freeski:
- Ferdinand Dahl
- Sandra Eie
- Johanne Killi
- Christian Nummedal
- Birk Ruud
Combined:
- Espen Andersen
- Espen Dalhaug Bjørnstad
- Jørgen Nyland Graabak
- Jens Lurås Oftebro
- Jarl Magnus Riiber
Cross-country skiing:
- Maiken Caspersen Falla
- Helene Fossesholm
- Hans Christer Holund
- Emil Iversen
- Therese Johaug
- Johannes Høsflot Klæbo
- Simen Hegstad Krüger
- Håvard Solås Taugbøl
- Erik Valnes
- Heidi Weng
- Lotta Udnes Weng
- Tiril Udnes Weng
Biathlon:
- Johannes Thingnes Bø
- Tarjei Bø
- Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen
- Tiril Kampenhaug Eckhoff
- Ida Lien
- Sturla Holm Lægreid
- Marte Olsbu Røiseland
Skates:
- Marit Fjellanger Bøhm
- Allan Dahl Johansson
- Hallgeir Engebråten
- Sofie Karoline Haugen
- Peder Kongshaug Stavanger
- Håvard Holmefjord Lorentzen
- Bjørn Magnussen
- Sverre Lunde Pedersen
- Kristian Gamme Ulekleiv
- Ragne Wiklund
Snowboard:
- Marcus Kleveland
- Mons Røisland
PS! No jumpers have been taken out yet.
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