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By Gavin Kentch
LAGO DI TESERO — Press conferences were held today for the medalists in the classic sprint. Ben Ogden was at one of them. You know, because he won a silver medal. In the Olympics.
Here is audio of the men’s press conference (go to some ways after the start for real content):
And here is audio of the women’s press conference:
Per Olympic Information Services, here is a copy and paste of some of the medalists’ comments. Again, we’ll have a real race article up later tonight, but this is obviously a big deal so I want to get something up now. In closing, once more I shall intone the mantra of my people, LFG.
Johannes Hoesflot Klæbo (NOR) – gold
On Ben Ogden’s backflip jump from the podium:
“I probably would have broken my neck (doing the same). I have asked Ben if he can teach me. During summer, I’ll try to go to the US and have a camp with Ben to be able to learn it.”
On Ogden’s silver:
“Ben has been good for many years now, and showed us some extremely high pace in some of the heats we have done. For him to be able to climb onto the podium, it’s really good to see and well deserved.”
On the men’s 10km interval start free on Friday:
“I won’t say that I’m a favourite, as there are other people that have been winning this year, and there are a lot of strong guys that will be able to perform well.”
“If I’m going to fight for podiums, I need to be at my very best. It’s going to be tough, but at least I’ve done everything I can to be prepared and to be in my best possible shape. I will give it all on Friday.”
On being one gold medal from equalling the tally of Bjoern Dæhlie (NOR), the most decorated Olympic men’s cross-country skier:
“It’s hard to tell before you’re there, but I’m going to try my best on Friday, and we’ll see how it goes. It’s cool to be able to be on that list, for sure.”
On recovering from the men’s 10km + 10km skiathlon:
“When I woke up yesterday (Monday), I felt like I was hit by a truck. I was glad we had one day in between (races).”
Ben Ogden (USA) – silver
On his relationship with former cross-country skier Bill Koch (USA):
“I grew up five minutes from where Bill Koch lives. I trained and raced with his son for many years and still do when I get the opportunity.
“I’ll never forget when I was young, going over to the Koches’, skiing the trails and off the jumps that Bill made in the backyard. That’s a huge part of what kept me on my feet today in the slushy conditions.”
On what has inspired him:
“I take a lot of inspiration from my father. He was a real community builder. I miss him every single day and I try to be like him. He cheered for everybody, said hi to everybody, and tried to get everybody excited about what they were doing. That’s what I try to do, and I hope people feel it.”
Oskar Opstad Vike (NOR) – bronze
On taking bronze:
“Johannes is planning my celebration, and I have to document it on Snapchat to him. I hope it will be a good one.
“You have to ask him (about who pays for it). His budget is way beyond mine.”
women
Comments from silver medallist Jonna Sundling (SWE), bronze medallist Maja Dahlqvist (SWE) and Sweden coach Ida Ingemarsdotter at a press conference after the Cross-Country Skiing Women’s Sprint Classic at Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium on Tuesday.
Jonna Sundling (SWE) – silver
On Linn Svahn winning the gold medal, overcoming a history of injuries:
“I’m really happy for her. It’s really nice to have her back and see how she’s racing today.”
Maja Dahlqvist (SWE) – bronze
On meeting Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf after the final:
“We said he chose a really good day to be here, that we were happy that we could deliver in front of him and that we felt a little more pressure, but that it was a good thing, and that it was better (for him) to be here than at the biathlon.”
On the upcoming women’s team sprint free event:
“It’s really tight between the spots, so it could be me, Linn, Jonna or anyone else. The coaches will pick the team they believe could do it best in the team sprint.”
On her tactics in the final:
“I was going as hard as I could from the start. I tried to keep up with Linn and Jonna, but they were a bit too strong.”
On Svahn’s victory:
“She really deserves to be in a championship like the Olympics. Firstly, to be at the start line, and then to win — I’m really happy for her.
“As a friend too, you don’t want to see your friend struggle so much. She’s been having really high highs and low lows. It’s the first time that we could be here together, and I’m really impressed that she can perform like she’s doing.”
Ida Ingemarsdotter – coach
On Svahn’s victory:
“She’s in a good mood, and I spoke to her before I went here. She’s really happy for her own medal, and also for the girls who completed the triple.
“We take it one day at a time, and I think she’s lucky to have this day today.”
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