Even Northug rose to the top of the world cup in a few years. I didn’t like training before.
Even Northug skied to the podium in Ruka. PASI LEISMA
– I am faster than Petter. There’s a new brother in town!
Olympic champion by Petter Northug36, younger brother Even Northug27, speaks with enthusiasm.
The sprinter celebrated the second place in the traditional sprint in Ruka on Friday and the first personal World Cup podium place in his career. Just a few years ago, it would have been difficult to see a Norwegian in the top three.
Even Petter Northug has not hidden his opinion about his little brother’s antics. In November, the Olympic champion told the Norwegian NRK that Even was previously satisfied with the status of a national level skier and did not take training seriously.
– He trained lazily and poorly. The results have also shown it, big brother commented.
Even Northug knows there’s no denying the assessment.
– I agree. I had a hard time. Sometimes I trained well, but other times the motivation wasn’t enough.
– I didn’t live like a top athlete. I was just having fun.
Despite the direct feedback, Even describes the relationship with his older brother as warm. Between the duo is giving feedback.
– Neither is afraid to speak directly. Petter will tell me if he is not satisfied with my training. We are honest with each other. I appreciate it.
All three of Northug’s brothers Petter, Even and Thomas are cross-country skiers. Mutual competition has always been part of everyday life.
– We know how to be firm with each other, but also kind. We enjoy competing.
Big change
Petter Northug wants to challenge his brother. PASI LEISMA
In 2020 and 2021, Even Northug only skied one World Cup race. After that, something changed.
Northug grabbed himself by the neck and wanted to get to the top. Last season, he skied in the top ten in the World Cup sprints five times.
He started this season with a sprint win in the Norwegian national team’s opening weekend sprint. The Ruka World Cup continued its promising course.
– This means a lot to me. My way to the World Cup podium was like this, he commented on Ruka’s race.
Northug says that he has been preparing for the season carefully since last spring. The task has been made easier by the fact that the skier hasn’t been sick or injured once since last season.
– I have done more running than before because I want to increase my capacity. The number of exercises has also been increased compared to last year. However, none of this would have mattered if I had been sick.
Trying to win
Even Northug (number 7) watched the top competitions for a long time from the sidelines. Now he skis among the superstars. PASI LEISMA
Northug is proud of his surname and his family’s skiing heritage.
He still trains with Petter. Petter Northug ended his career in 2017, but announced that he will return to the marathon this season.
– He always tries to beat me because he has been the best in the past.
Next, Even Northug wants to achieve more of his own merites. The goal is the World Championships in Planica next year.
– Ruka’s result is certainly a good display on the way to Planica. In Norway, it is difficult to fit into the team. This same thing must continue.