He is a 13-time world champion, won gold twice at the Winter Olympics, won numerous World Cup victories and secured the Grand Crystal Globe twice: Petter Northug is one of the most successful athletes in the history of cross-country skiing. The Norwegian ended his career in 2018, but around seven years later a comeback seems entirely possible. For some well-known faces in the scene, this is a plan that makes little sense.
In the podcast “Gukild & Johaug”, which the Norwegian sports journalist Emil Gukild runs with cross-country skiing icon Therese Johaug, Petter Northug openly discussed the idea of returning to the big stage of cross-country skiing at the beginning of October. The 39-year-old revealed that the 2026 Winter Olympics are an unrealistic goal, but he is certainly confident of the 2027 World Cup.
In order to qualify, however, he would have to change nationality, the Norwegian confirmed, as there was simply far too much competition in the home country of cross-country skiing.
“I need a new nation, and if I want to do that, I think Mexico is my only hope,” said Northug, who, however, only put the chances at around 20 percent. Incidentally, the Mexican ambassador Omar Fayad confirmed an exchange in this direction to the Norwegian broadcaster “NRK” in April.
“I personally don’t think so”
However, ex-cross-country skier Pietro Piller Cottrer made it clear when asked by “Verdens Gang” that he doesn’t think much of his former opponent’s plans.
“Personally, I don’t think so. Not only because of Petter, but also in athletics, volleyball and other sports, there are nations that have tried to bring better athletes from other countries. […] I don’t like it,” the Italian told the newspaper.
Another Italian, Cristian Zorzi, who competed with Northug at the 2007 World Cup, reacts even more clearly: “I want to remember Petter Northug for his victories in the World Cup and World Championships when he was young and strong. He is famous and has made history. Then it’s better to stop. Because you remember the last race – not what you did ten years ago,” he opens three-time Olympic medal winner and adds: “It’s idiotic.”