Norwegian athlete Hans Christer Holund is ending his elite career as a cross-country skier. The announcement was made in a post on his Instagram.
“In Lahti 14 years ago, I debuted in the World Cup in 15km free. That time it was Alexander Legkov, Pietro Piller Cottrer, and Christian Hoffmann who made up the podium. I was 52, over 2 minutes behind. This feels like a lifetime ago. At the same time, I remember every little detail from early in my career. How nervous I used to get before the start. How proud I was to be chosen to the World Championships and how starstruck I was to see the ski stars in the hotel dining room. It’s been a roller coaster, but 12 years later, I took World Championships gold at the same distance and achieved more than I dared dream of as a child.”
“I have now made a final decision to end my skiing career. It has been a difficult choice, but with two small children and many projects on it, it feels right to let other hungry athletes who can still do the job required to fight for World Championships medals at home in 2025.”
“There were eight years on the national team, 145 World Cup starts, eight medals from the World Championships and the Olympics, and countless good memories and experiences from camps and skiing. And even though I’m now retiring as a top athlete, cross-country skiing will always be my great passion.”
Thanks to teammates, coaches, and supporters for everything we have experienced together, loyal sponsors who have given me the conditions to focus and perform, the good skiing environment in Lyn that helped me up and forward, the wax techs who have worked day and night to give me good skis, and not least to family and partners who have supported me through! It has been an amazing journey!Hans Christer Holund
During the World Championships in Planica, Hans Christer was part of the Norwegian men’s team that won gold in the relay. He also got a bronze in the 15-kilometer race.
Holund was on the national team for eight years and secured four World Championships gold, two World Championships bronze, and two Olympic medals. He made his World Cup debut 14 years ago in Lahti and started at 145 World Cups.
14 years in the World Cup and it is now time to say thank you for all great memories in the course, but also as an role model. We hope you will enjoy some time of and we are thrilled to hear that you will continue working with Cross Country but now on the other side with Viaplay Norway.