Paralympics 2024: Birgit Skarstein got into trouble before the Paralympics

– The run-up did not turn out as I thought or hoped for, for better or for worse, Birgit Skarstein tells news. – On the good side, I have been able to train a lot with Australia, which is a solid rowing nation. On the less good side, I have spent a lot of time and effort on completely different things than actual sporty driving. Changes at the Norwegian support apparatus meant that Skarstein had to change his plans shortly before the Paralympics. The rower was without an available coach in the Paralympics run-up. IN ACTION: Skarstein is among Norway’s biggest medal hopes in the Paralympics. Photo: NTB Skarstein has completed her final preparations in Italy, where she was taken into the heat by the Australian national team, which was also on a training camp there. A Norwegian food favorite was decisive for her to be admitted. – In practical terms, I need help getting the boat on the water as I cannot carry it myself. Australia really only agreed to help me with the equipment, but they have really taken me under their wings and included me in everything they do, both professionally and socially. Then it should be said that I have bribed them with Norwegian chocolate, she smiles. Sweet bribe – I have a pile of chocolate lying here, but I have promised my daughter to save until I get home, says Australia’s coach Chad King with a laugh. COACH: Chad King (tv) is Australia’s coach and has also included Skarstein in the team in recent weeks. Photo: PRIVAT He had no qualms about letting Skarstein into the Australian camp, as they have no direct competitors with the Norwegian hope. – It has been important. The US is also here, but because they have two direct competitors with us, it would be impossible to cooperate. We don’t give away our secrets to our competitors, says King. In the evenings, Skarstein has knitted socks for Curtis McGrath’s newborn. He is one of Australia’s big favorites in the Paralympics, with gold from both Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo on his track record. NAMNAM: Curtis McGrath grins with Norwegian chocolate in his hands. Photo: PRIVAT In return, McGrath has chosen Nordic films on Netflix to ensure that Skarstein feels extra welcome in their camp. – Birgit is a great leader in the Paralympic movement. You can tell she is professional and methodical in everything she does. And she is a great person, praises McGrath. And it doesn’t hurt to have some Norwegian sweets either. – I love chocolate, so it was a nice gesture, he grins. Towards the end of his stay in Italy, the Norwegian national team coach Sebastian Baranzano also came to Italy to help Skarstein towards Paris. In the past, Olaf Tufte has also been to Italy to assist. DUO: Olaf Tufte helped Skarstein earlier in the run-up to Paris. Photo: PRIVAT – Hurt physically Australia is one of the world’s largest rowing nations, and sends several rowers to Paris. Skarstein is Norway’s only representative. That is why she is full of gratitude for having been admitted “down under”. – The fact that I get to work with them is as if a cross-country skier from Central Europe had come to Norway and trained with the Norwegian national ski team just before the Winter Olympics. – It is thoroughly professional, energetic and useful. They have been very open, and I have been able to get inside, which I have greatly benefited from, says Skarstein. Her first day of competition in Paris is August 30. If all goes according to plan, she will row the final on 1 September, and that will not be on the list of ambitions. – It would have been great to win a medal, and preferably gold. I got fourth place in Rio, and it physically hurt. For the next five years, I did everything I could to get to the top of the podium. And she succeeds in that. In Tokyo three years ago, Skarstein won a strong gold medal. – I am not going to Paris to defend, but to hunt. It would have been tough to manage to win another medal, she says. Absurd VAR protest – organized barbecue with sack race 00:27 Slaughtered own prediction after world record: – I lay flat 00:23 Norwegian reserve goalkeeper goes viral – followed by Real Madrid coach 01:03 Superstar appeared with Løke’s sweater: – Where has he got it from? 00:56 Show more Published 26.08.2024, at 10.07



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