Therese Johaug could without problem release the pole and use both her arms to thank the audience. When she skied into the stadium in Finnish Lahtis, it was as an unbeatable winner of the mass start over 50 kilometers, which also concluded the World Cup season.
The margin of victory down to the second place, her compatriot Astrid Øyre Slind, landed on over a minute. Sweden's Ebba Andersson became third, nearly three and a half minutes behind Johaug.
An incredibly wonderful victory and my first on 50 kilometers. I had a fantastic day, says Johaug to Norwegian Viaplay, according to NTB.
Revenge for the World Championship miss
The big question is whether she now really retires. Johaug herself has in principle ruled out a continued effort towards the Olympic Games in Milano and Cortina next year, although she has opened the door a little at the end.
After Sunday's victory, she says:
"Grandma" might as well give up now.
I'm pretty sure it's over, even though I still think this is very fun. It has been a fantastic career and I'm proud to have shown that it's possible to come back after two years and a pregnancy.
When she returned to the World Cup in the autumn after a break of over two years, it was to take gold on the World Championship 50 kilometers in Trondheim. It didn't succeed – she had to settle for bronze behind Sweden's Frida Karlsson – and therefore, she extended the season a bit to get a last chance at a 50 kilometers in Lahtis.
Andersson not entirely satisfied
With Sunday's superior victory in hand, Johaug got her revenge. If it's enough to conclude one of the greatest cross-country skiing careers of all time, the future will show.
Behind Johaug, Ebba Andersson made sure to conclude her season with another good performance. Andersson, who took three World Championship golds in Trondheim, secured third place by pulling away from Austrian Teresa Stadlober during the last kilometer.
The World Cup season leaves a bit to be desired. But the big goal was the World Championship and with that in mind, I've at least succeeded, says Andersson to Viaplay.
