After a long illness, Harald V died on Friday, aged 89. Several Norwegian sports figures mourn him and speak of a king who truly touched people.
"I am so incredibly grateful and proud that we have had a king who was so popular, who genuinely cared about people. My greatest sporting moment and memory is meeting the king in Holmenkollen in 2011," says cross-country star Therese Johaug to Dagbladet.
Skilled sailor
Before ascending the throne, Harald achieved great success as a sailor. He competed in three Olympic Games (1964, 1968 and 1972) and also won a World Championship gold medal. Just four years ago, he was skipper at the World Championships in Geneva, where he led the crew to tenth place.
Harald was a frequent visitor to various sporting events over the years, especially when cross-country skiing was on the menu. In 1994, he opened the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer and often attended national football matches at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo.
Just like the rest of the nation, he closely followed the national football team's success in the World Cup this summer - and upon his return home, he welcomed the squad to the castle.
It was a nice meeting for everyone. He was with us throughout the World Cup, with little messages all the way. For those of us involved in sports, he has been a role model, says national team captain Ståle Solbakken.
“An honor”
National team striker Erling Braut Haaland writes on Instagram:
"Rest in peace, King Harald. Thank you for everything you have meant to Norway. It was an honor to meet you."
Athletics star Jakob Ingebrigtsen wrote on his Instagram account on Thursday evening:
"My thoughts are with him and the Norwegian royal family. I want to express my deepest respect to our beloved sports king. You have always cheered on us athletes. Today we cheer on you."
Long-distance legend Petter Northug tells TV2:
The best memories are the most private meetings, without the press present. He was very interested in all the training and asked detailed questions about altitude training.
King Harald's death means that all matches in the top football leagues for men and women will be moved to Sunday.
