Skiing has always been important to the Norwegian royal family. It has been an important part of Norwegian cultural heritage for over 1,500 years. King Harald, like his father and grandfather, is very interested in skiing and often shows up to watch the Norwegian athletes both in Norway and abroad.
King Harald was present this weekend during the World Cup in biathlon in Holmenkollen, just outside the Norwegian capital of Oslo. There he also handed out the Holmenkoll-medal to four Norwegian athletes who for many years have enjoyed great sporting achievements.
On March 19th 2022, the 10 km hunting start for women and 12.5 km hunting start for men were on the program. On the women’s side, Tiril Eckhoff crossed the finish line to victory waving the Norwegian flag. There she received teammate Marte Olsbu Røiseland, who took second place and thus won the World Cup overall. Slovakian Paulina Fialkova took third place. After an exciting finish on the men’s side, it was finally German Erik Lesser who won. Sturla Holm Lægreid took third place behind French Quentin Fillon Maillet. True to tradition, the King greeted the winners at the Royal balcony of Holmenkollen ski-stadium.
King Harald also handed out the Holmenkoll-medal during the World Cup race. This year, the Holmenkoll-medal went to four athletes in three disciplines, who for many years have enjoyed great sporting moments. Recipients of the year were Tiril Eckhoff, Marte Røiseland, Johannes Klæbo and Jørgen Graabak. At the Royal balcony of Holmenkollen ski-stadium, biathlete Johannes Thingnes Bø also received the Holmenkoll medal, which he was awarded last year.
The Holmenkoll Medal has been awarded since 1895, and is awarded to athletes who over time have had outstanding results in the Nordic branches nationally and internationally. Results in Holmenkollen are taken into account. In order to be considered, the athlete, in addition to his results, must also have distinguished himself with good sporting behavior and good personal qualities. People who in other ways have had an extra significance for skiing can also be awarded the medal, but could not receive due to the pandemic.
On March 20th 2022, the stage was set for a joint start in Holmenkollen and the season’s last World Cup race. King Harald congratulated Sivert Guttorm Bakken on his very first World Cup victory during Sunday’s joint start in Holmenkollen
