Therese Johaug has always said that this weekend's World Cup competitions in Holmenkollen will be her last, then her career is over.
Now the 36-year-old Norwegian is opening up to continue competing – but only for another week.
The starting point is that these are my two last races, but I'm possibly opening the door for Lahtis, says Johaug at Friday's press conference.
The reason is that the World Cup finals in Finnish Lahtis next weekend have a 50km race on the program. When Johaug made her comeback last autumn, after a break of over two years, the VM 50km race in Trondheim was the big goal. But there she had to settle for bronze behind Sweden's Frida Karlsson.
I have to get revenge for Trondheim, says Johaug, who left the World Championship with three silver and one bronze.
I haven't quite decided yet. I'll decide this weekend.
Johaug retired for the first time in 2022. After her comeback, her husband Nils Jakob Hoff has been one of those who have contributed to the rumors that there may be a continuation even next season.
But Therese Johaug is firm: There will be no OS 2026.
The plan is to retire now.
This year, there is no traditional 50km race in Holmenkollen. Instead, there will be two shorter distance races, 20 kilometers classical and 10 kilometers freestyle, on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Corrected: An earlier version had the wrong value of Johaug's medal at the World Championship 50km race. Correct is that she took bronze.
