International junior camp 2024

The Equinor International Junior Camp at Sjusjøen was brimming with cross-country skiing enthusiasm, skill development, social activities, and exchanges of experience last week.

A total of 98 cross-country skiers from 15 different nations gathered for the 13th edition of the Equinor International Junior Camp. “This is a fantastic week in beautiful surroundings here at Sjusjøen, where everything is set up perfectly for a junior camp that spans across national borders,” beams Brit Baldishol.

She is the head of grassroots, development, and facilities in the Norwegian Ski Federation's cross-country skiing section, and responsible for the camp.

“There’s cross-country skiing joy wherever I turn up here. It involves sprint sessions, long runs, roller skiing sessions, technique work, intervals with bounding, and of course, social activities in the afternoons and evenings. So many exciting things are happening. We get to know each other so much better across national borders through such a camp. It’s important to learn about other training cultures and gain insight into what others focus on. We all have something to strive for to become even better at skiing,” says Baldishol.

The feedback from the participating nations is positive.
The camp is being conducted for those athletes who are on their way into elite sports and are potentially the next generation of World Cup athletes.
It is gratifying that FIS has chosen to support the camp with funds for development nations and Para athletes, allowing more to participate in the camp, says Baldishol.

"The Para athletes have participated on equal terms and followed the same program as the other participants, with some adjustments where necessary," says Anne Ragnhild Kroken, Para responsible in the Norwegian Ski Federation for cross-country skiing.

The Para athletes express that this has been a great experience. They particularly highlight training together with able-bodied athletes as a positive factor and something they value highly.
We want the Para athletes to be a natural part of the ski family, and by including Para athletes in 'ordinary' initiatives like this camp, we are on the right track, says Kroken.

The guest list has been star-studded. “Tiril and Lotta Udnes Weng visited early in the week. They are so good at passing on knowledge to younger athletes. And we’ve also had a visit from Paralympic legend Brian McKeever, who, with his 17 Paralympic medals, is full of experience. Sjur Røthe and Sjur Ole Svarstad have also been here, while Dr. Remi Andersen spoke about a very important topic—namely, sleep. And World Championship director Åge Skinstad also stopped by. I’m incredibly grateful that so many people take the time to visit us and spend time with junior skiers from 15 nations and around 30 coaches,” says Baldishol.