In the summer, cross-country skiing star Emil Iversen made known his relationship with Bettina Burud, the heir to the founder of the Norwegian supermarket chain KIWI, who died in 2011 at the age of 48. Now the couple is taking the next step.
As Iversen revealed to the Norwegian broadcaster “TV2”, he and the billionaire are moving in together in an apartment in Trondheim. “It’s going to be exciting. She’s maybe a little more excited than me,” said the 32-year-old.
Iversen described the shared apartment as a “small step on the way to growing up.” “I’m pretty far behind my youngest brother, who’s engaged and getting married next year, so I’m feeling a bit of pressure,” the four-time world champion noted with a smile.
Cross-country skiing star Iversen: “I stand on my own two feet”
Burud is considered one of the richest women in Norway. According to the “Kapital” portal, the KIWI heiress has assets of 1.3 billion Norwegian crowns (around 120 million euros). KIWI even made a profit of 3.9 billion crowns in 2022. In addition to Bettina Burud, her siblings Kirkeng and Navjord also hold shares in the group.
Iversen defended himself against accusations that he was profiting from his partner’s wealth: “I stand on my own two feet. I have done good work over the years and have received a decent salary in recent years.”
In the interview, Iversen also spoke openly about his family planning. “It’s definitely something you think about when you’re 32,” he said, referring to possible offspring.
In terms of sport, Iversen wants to attack again in the upcoming winter sports season. The Norwegian had difficulties last year and is therefore stacking low.
“I feel normal again and will be happy this winter no matter what the results are,” he emphasized. It would currently mean just as much to Iversen to win a national race as a World Cup.
Nevertheless, he wants to go to the World Cup. “That is of course a goal this winter. I will be disappointed if I don’t make it,” admitted Iversen.