Ida Waldal, a young skier from Hommelvik, Norway, is gearing up for her Olympic debut in randonee, a discipline making its first appearance at the Winter Games. With her grandparents as her primary sponsors, she credits them with instrumental support in her qualification for the Olympics. Despite her impending competition at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio on February 19, Ida embraces her relatively low profile and the accompanying media attention, noting it allows her to focus on her training without the stress of fame.

As she shares her thoughts about being less known, she also expresses a desire to gain more recognition in the sporting world to attract more sponsors. Since the announcement of her Olympic selection, interest from local businesses has reportedly increased, with companies from Stjørdal and Meråker reaching out to her grandfather, Lars, who emphasizes the vital role of family backing in her journey. This newfound interest may pave the way for balancing her racing ambitions with securing necessary financial support.

With the 2026 Olympics approaching, Ida's story reflects the unique challenges faced by athletes from smaller regions in Norway. Though she appreciates her current anonymity, the potential for increased attention and sponsorship could alter her experience as she continues on her path toward Olympic competition, proving that support from family can be a crucial factor in an athlete's success.