Thomas Alsgaard
Encyclopedia
Thomas Alsgaard (born 10 January 1972) is a retired Norwegian
cross-country skier
. Alsgaard is regarded by many as the best performer of the skate-style in cross-country skiing and many of today's best skiers have studied his technique. In total, Alsgaard won 15 medals in the Winter Olympics and FIS Nordic World Ski Championships
, making him one of the most successful skiers of all time.
, Enebakk
, Alsgaard began cross-country ski racing at the age of three. That was when he was entered into a race against many 5-year olds. He beat all of them. A year later, it was rumored that he was lost in the village the family lived in. In fact, he was found at the local ski area, just about to start his third time around a 9-kilometer loop. Alsgaard says that his passion for skiing comes from liking to be outdoors.
1994 Winter Olympics
winning the 30 kilometre freestyle event. In total, Alsgaard won 15 medals in the Winter Olympics and FIS Nordic World Ski Championships
, making him one fo the most successful skiers of all time. Alsgaard retired from racing after the 2003 World Championships.
He won the Holmenkollen medal
in 2001 (shared with Adam Małysz and Bente Skari
).
He is also known as a sports commentator for the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation.
In the Norwegian Championship in January 2011, Alsgaard took a sensational bronze medal at the 15 km classical individual race, defeating many skiers on the Norwegian World Cup team. He was only beaten by Eldar Rønning
(gold) and Martin Johnsrud Sundby
(silver). After crossing the finish line he teamed up with his colleagues (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation) to commentate the rest of the race.
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
cross-country skier
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is a winter sport in which participants propel themselves across snow-covered terrain using skis and poles...
. Alsgaard is regarded by many as the best performer of the skate-style in cross-country skiing and many of today's best skiers have studied his technique. In total, Alsgaard won 15 medals in the Winter Olympics and FIS Nordic World Ski Championships
FIS Nordic World Ski Championships
The FIS Nordic World Ski Championships have been held in various numbers and types of events since 1925 for men and since 1954 for women. Championship events include nordic skiing's three disciplines: cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and nordic combined...
, making him one of the most successful skiers of all time.
Early life
Born in FlatebyFlateby
-References:...
, Enebakk
Enebakk
Enebakk is a municipality in Akershus county, Norway. It is part of the Follo traditional region. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Kirkebygda....
, Alsgaard began cross-country ski racing at the age of three. That was when he was entered into a race against many 5-year olds. He beat all of them. A year later, it was rumored that he was lost in the village the family lived in. In fact, he was found at the local ski area, just about to start his third time around a 9-kilometer loop. Alsgaard says that his passion for skiing comes from liking to be outdoors.
Athletic career
Alsgaard got his international breakthrough in the LillehammerLillehammer
is a town and municipality in Oppland county, Norway, globally known for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics. It is part of the traditional region of Gudbrandsdal. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Lillehammer. As of May 2011, the population of the town of Lillehammer was...
1994 Winter Olympics
1994 Winter Olympics
The 1994 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XVII Olympic Winter Games, was a winter multi-sport event celebrated from 12 to 27 February 1994 in and around Lillehammer, Norway. Lillehammer failed to win the bid for the 1992 event. Lillehammer was awarded the games in 1988, after having beat...
winning the 30 kilometre freestyle event. In total, Alsgaard won 15 medals in the Winter Olympics and FIS Nordic World Ski Championships
FIS Nordic World Ski Championships
The FIS Nordic World Ski Championships have been held in various numbers and types of events since 1925 for men and since 1954 for women. Championship events include nordic skiing's three disciplines: cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and nordic combined...
, making him one fo the most successful skiers of all time. Alsgaard retired from racing after the 2003 World Championships.
He won the Holmenkollen medal
Holmenkollen medal
The Holmenkollen medal is Norwegian skiing's highest award for competitors. It signifies top placings in international championships and other international events, including the Holmenkollen events....
in 2001 (shared with Adam Małysz and Bente Skari
Bente Skari
Bente Skari, née Martinsen, is a former cross country skier from Nittedal, Norway. She is one of the most successful cross country skiers ever.-Career:...
).
Retirement
Alsgaard retired from racing in 2003. He now works as a technical advisor for Alpina Sports, working in the Nordic boot department. He used to ski on Madshus skis, one of Alpina's partners, with Adidas boots and Salomon bindings.He is also known as a sports commentator for the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation.
In the Norwegian Championship in January 2011, Alsgaard took a sensational bronze medal at the 15 km classical individual race, defeating many skiers on the Norwegian World Cup team. He was only beaten by Eldar Rønning
Eldar Rønning
Eldar Rønning is a Norwegian cross-country skier. He skis with the Skogn IL club, in Nord-Trøndelag. He's 178 cm tall and weighs 73 kg . He skis with Rossignol boots and skis, and Rottefella bindings.In 2004/05, he achieved three podium finishes in World Cup Sprint events, including a win at Reit...
(gold) and Martin Johnsrud Sundby
Martin Johnsrud Sundby
Martin Johnsrud Sundby is a Norwegian cross country skier who has competed since 2003. He won the team sprint event at the test event in Liberec, Czech Republic on February 17, 2008....
(silver). After crossing the finish line he teamed up with his colleagues (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation) to commentate the rest of the race.