Therese Johaug Shocked by Financial Debacle of Trondheim World Championships

The World Championships in Trondheim turned into a financial nightmare. The event is expected to incur losses exceeding 34 million kronor, forcing the Norwegian Ski Federation to lay off staff. Additionally, the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority has launched an investigation.

"I was shocked," Therese Johaug told Expressen.

In many ways, the ski World Championships in Trondheim were a success for Norway. The host nation dominated the medal tally with 14 golds, and over 100,000 spectators watched Johannes Hösflot Kläbo clinch victory in the men's 50 km race ahead of William Poromaa.

However, recent revelations have exposed a financial black hole left by the event. Organizers anticipated a 20 million kronor profit, but the loss is now expected to be at least 34 million kronor—a miscalculation of over 50 million.

"I've never seen anything like it in my career. It's dramatic when things turn out this way," said Kjetil Reinskou, finance commissioner of Trondheim municipality, to NRK.

The news has sparked strong criticism in Norway.

"It's a fiasco like no other. I find it hard to understand," fumed former world champion Emil Iversen in VG.

All Money Gone: "I Can't Give Up"

As if that weren't enough, another blow hit the World Championships organizers on Wednesday. The Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority has begun investigating the event, according to NRK.

During the World Championships, all vendors at the ski stadium and food tents in central Trondheim were required to use card terminals provided by the organizers. The proceeds went directly to the World Championships organization, but many vendors have yet to receive their money.

One of them is Rune Krogh.

"We considered reporting the ski World Championships to the police because we haven't received our money, but we're waiting to see if we can reach a settlement. I can't give up," Krogh told NRK.

Meanwhile, the Norwegian Ski Federation is demanding nearly 8 million kronor from the company behind the ski World Championships. The federation owns 60% of the company and now wants back the money it loaned before the event.

Due to the financial disaster, the ski federation must save 27 million kronor and is forced to lay off staff.

Therese Johaug, along with Johannes Hösflot Kläbo, was a major figurehead for the World Championships in Trondheim. She made a comeback to win gold on home soil but left with three silvers and a bronze instead.

Johaug's Shock: "How Is It Possible?"

The now-retired ski queen is speaking out for the first time about the financial fiasco.

"I was as shocked as you were. How is it possible?" the Norwegian told Expressen.

The 36-year-old says she has been following the reports.

"There are things that need to be clarified. There's no doubt about that."

Therese Johaug is particularly struck by the massive miscalculation of over 50 million kronor.

"It's an insanely large sum of money. I just hope they manage to get to the bottom of what happened. It's really a shame, and I think the entire skiing community agrees."

One would think that if there is anywhere a ski World Championships should be profitable, it would be in Norway.

"Yes, exactly. How will other countries manage to host a championship now? How will Falun turn a profit in two years if Trondheim, with the festival it was, ended up with this result? Does hosting a ski World Championships mean going into the red regardless? Will other countries want to host a World Championships?"

In two years, the World Championships will be held in Falun. In 2029, it will be Lahti's turn in Finland.