Therese Johaug’s gripping comeback at the 2024/25 Tour de Ski not only thrilled fans but also etched her name firmly alongside the sport’s legends. The 36-year-old Norwegian skier delivered an impressive performance, culminating her victory with the breathtaking climb up Alpe Cermis on January 5, 2025.
Johaug made headlines this season when she decided to compete, flipping her initial plan to focus exclusively on training for the World Championships scheduled for later this year. Her strategic gamble paid off as she showcased stunning prowess throughout the competition, particularly during the skiathlon, which kicked off the Tour.
On January 4, Johaug claimed victory with notable dominance, finishing the 20-kilometer skiathlon about half a minute faster than her closest competitors, Astrid Øyre Slind from Norway and Ebba Andersson from Sweden. The defining moment came when Johaug broke away from the pack following the ski exchange, steadily increasing her lead with every stride she took. "Otroligt kul," said Johaug, reflecting her joy at the successful day.
Despite her formidable performance, the competition remained fierce. Ebba Andersson, who also aimed for the podium, experienced challenges as she fought to maintain her speed. She finished the skiathlon fourth, missing the podium by just one-tenth of a second. Afterward, she commented on the tough conditions she faced, saying, "Det var så satans hårt, och jag fick inte rätt tryck på skidorna,” indicating how strenuous the race had been.
Heading to the final stage of the Tour, Johaug held significant lead over Slind. Jumping onto the final climb at Alpe Cermis, she was already 22 seconds ahead, creating anticipation for the final showdown.
On the ascent, Johaug proved unbeatable. She appeared even faster when tackling the steeper sections of the mountain, and it was clear she had the strength and skill to seize the Tour's overall victory. By the time she crossed the finish line, Johaug secured her win 25 seconds clear of Slind, clinching her fourth Tour de Ski title, marking herself as one of the greatest talents the sport has ever seen.
This remarkable achievement ties her with Polish legend Justyna Kowalczyk, making her one of only two athletes to have achieved four titles. Both athletes have shaped the sport significantly and now Johaug shares this title with Kowalczyk, making history together. Reflecting on her success, Johaug laughed, saying, "Då hade jag inte trott på dig," implying disbelief at how far she has come since her comeback.
On the other hand, Ebba Andersson finished the tour ranked sixth overall. Despite her initial setbacks at the beginning of the Tour, she climbed through the ranks as the competition progressed. "Åh, äntligen. Den har varit krävande i år," she said at the end, expressing relief as the grueling event ended. Her resolve and determination throughout the competition underscored her potential for future races.
Moa Ilar and Linn Svahn, two other Swedish competitors, finished 14th and 18th respectively. Ilar showed promise, enhancing her ranking as the event unfolded, but Svahn expressed fatigue from the rigorous week of skiing. "Kroppen har nog åldrats lite den här veckan,” she remarked, humorously noting her weariness after enduring the demanding Tour.
With this victory, Therese Johaug not only celebrates her fourth Tour de Ski but also looks toward her next challenge: the upcoming World Championships. The anticipation of those competitions, amid the historic backdrop of her latest victory, adds to the excitement surrounding her comeback story.
It will be interesting to see how Johaug capitalizes on her recent form and continues to inspire both current and future athletes. The legend of Therese Johaug only grows stronger with every race she conquers, leaving fans eager for more ski adventures as the season progresses.