Therese Johaug has made history once again by clinching the Tour de Ski title for the fourth time, achieving a remarkable feat no other woman has accomplished since Justyna Kowalczyk. The 36-year-old Norwegian displayed her prowess during the final stage, dominating the classic uphill climb and marking her legacy as one of the greatest cross-country skiers.
The last stage of the Tour saw Johaug finishing with impressive timing of 35:39, significantly outpacing her closest rivals. Astrid Öyre Slind crossed the finish line 25 seconds after Johaug, securing second place, with Heidi Weng taking third. Meanwhile, Ebba Andersson emerged as the top Swedish competitor, completing the Tour overall in sixth place, showcasing her talent by finishing fifth during the final leg.
Johaug’s performance throughout the Tour was nothing short of sensational. "Det betyder väldigt mycket. Jag tar med mig ännu bättre självförtroende och känslan att formen har varit stigande under touren," Johaug remarked, highlighting her confidence and improving form as the competition progressed.
But the victory was tinged with bittersweet emotions for Johaug, as she announced it would be her last appearance at the Tour de Ski. Reflecting on her career, she stated, “It’s sad but also feels great to be able to finish with victory.” This decision marks the closure of a remarkable chapter for Johaug, who has long been a figurehead for Norwegian skiing.
On the men’s side, there was also reason to celebrate as Johannes Høsflot Klæbo matched Dario Cologna's record with his fourth overall victory, continuing the tradition of Norwegian dominance. Edvin Anger, the top Swedish male competitor, finished ninth overall.
Johaug’s last performance was not just about winning but also about the effort put forth by other competitors throughout the Tour. Despite their best efforts, Johaug seemed to always have another gear. She admitted to being surprised by the overall strength of her Swedish counterparts, stating, “Jag hade trott att de skulle vara starkare,” implying her expectation for more challenging competition.
Andersson, reflecting on her Tour experience, noted, “Skönt att ha klarat sig igenom den här touren. Det har varit en krävande tour.” Despite facing hurdles earlier, she managed to maintain strong finishes, proving her resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
With Johaug’s final Tour de Ski behind her, she leaves behind not just records but also high expectations for younger skiers like Frida Karlsson and Jonna Sundling, who did not participate this year but have shown promise for the future. Johaug believes, “Det är kanske de bästa åkarna som inte är med här,” underscoring the depth of talent present within the Norwegian and Swedish ski teams.
The Tour de Ski this year stands as yet another glorious chapter for Johaug, who has cemented her status as not only a victor but also as one of the sport's fiercest competitors. Her legacy will surely inspire the next generation of skiers as she transitions from competitive racing to her next life adventures.