Norway's Marthe Kristoffersen ©Atomic file photo
Marthe Kristoffersen (Nor) ©FIS
How did you get into cross-country skiing?
Marthe Kristoffersen: Well, like all Norwegians I was born with skis. Cross-country skiing is very popular sport here in Meråker, all my friends did it – that was it.
Do you have any memories of your early races ?
MK: No I began racing at a very young age and my first race was to early to remember.
Who were your heroes?
MK: My heroes were Thomas Alsgaard and Bjorn D [Daehlie].
Do you see yourself as a role model or hero ?
MK: I don’t consider myself a hero, but I hope I can be a good role model to young girls and be an inspiration to them!
When did you first make the Norwegian National team?
MK: When I was 17 I was on the junior national team and then during my last year as a junior I joined the senior national team where I’ve been for 2 years!
Who were your early coaches?
MK: Before being on the junior national team I coached myself with a little bit of help from my school coach (Ole Morten Iversen). Then I was coached by Fredrik Aukland and now I’m with Egil Kristiansen [Norwegian National Team Coach] and Fredrik.
How many hours do you train each year?
MK: Last year I trained 730 hours, this year my plan is 750-780.
How about your hopes for this winter season?
MK: I’m still young, and this is my first full year as a senior. My goal is to make it to the Olympics Games some day and then do my very, very best!!
What’s your role on the team outside of pure skiing ?
MK: I’m there to learn and hopefully give something back.
Marit’s [Bjoergen] started off great this season…
MK: Yes, she’s done many good things this year, and this has certainly shown good results.
Do you see some new, young, talent coming up>
MK: I think Norwegian sprinter Maiken Caspersen Falla has improved a lot from last year which is very interesting!
Where do you now call home?
MK: Meråker is my home sweet home!
What do you think of all of the talk about doping – many see it as wide spread?
MK: I trust that the anti-doping measures are doing a very good job. I don’t think doping is a big thing in xc skiing.
What’s your favourite movie ever?
MK: My favourite movie is Pearl Harbour.
OK, how about favorite foods?
MK: I’m from Norway so I eat a lot of fish.
What is your current frame of mind?
MK: My current frame of mind is a day without training, is a day that has no meaning.
Were would you live if not in Norway?
MK: Without snow I can’t live… or maybe a warm place with sun and waves.
Describe yourself for readers?
MK: I’m a person with lots of energy and I love crazy things like speed and heights!
If you weren’t a skier what would you like to be?
MK: Then I would be a traveller…
Any plans for the future…?
MK: Can’t thing that far ahead – I live right here, right now.
Thanks for your time and best wishes for the rest of the season.
MK: Thanks.