Petter Northug, the legendary Norwegian cross-country skier and TV 2 expert, has expressed serious concerns over the performance of the national team at the ongoing Winter Olympics in Italy. With a lackluster medal tally from the women's side, which includes only a bronze by Heidi Weng in the opening event, Northug believes that significant changes are necessary in how the team is structured and managed. He stresses the importance of including the best athletes and suggests a reevaluation of the current training and competition strategies leading up to future championships, including the World Championships and the 2030 Olympics.

Northug's criticism comes as six members of the national team remain at home during the Olympic Games, raising questions about the effectiveness of the current selection and training methods. He emphasizes that established skiers who have faced challenges should be retained, while younger athletes who have proven themselves this winter should be developed for upcoming competitions. This call for change highlights the pressure on Norway's storied Olympic legacy in cross-country skiing, a sport in which they have historically excelled.

As the Olympics progress, the team faces immediate opportunities for redemption, such as the upcoming relay event. Northug's comments reflect a broader concern within Norway about their competitive standing in cross-country skiing and the need to adapt to sustain success at the highest level. With Norway's reputation at stake, the team will need to respond decisively to these challenges in future events to regain confidence and achieve better results on the world stage.