Ida Waldal and Hans Inge Klette have advanced to the semifinals in the historic Olympic competition for ski mountaineering taking place in Bormio. Waldal, a participant from Hommelvik, finished fourth in her qualifying heat but secured a semifinal spot due to her time being among the best overall. She expressed her nerves ahead of the event, noting a lack of sleep and difficulty eating breakfast, showcasing the pressure and excitement of her Olympic debut.

The format of the ski mountaineering sprint resembles that of a cross-country skiing sprint, featuring a prologue followed by knockout rounds. Klette, competing in the men's category, finished third in his heat after a strong performance in the challenging course, which also granted him advancement to the semifinals. Unfortunately, his fellow athlete, Trym Dalset Lødøen, was unable to progress, experiencing an exit in the qualifying round.

This competition marks a significant moment as it represents the inaugural Olympic event for ski mountaineering, spotlighting athletes like Waldal and Klette who are competing at the highest level. As the sport evolves and garners attention, the performances of these athletes may influence its future inclusion in Olympic events, emphasizing the adventure and skill involved in ski mountaineering.