Therese Johaug’s Pregnancy Shifts Her Skiing Career Plans Amid Olympic Preparations

Therese Johaug, the acclaimed Norwegian cross-country skier, recently revealed an unexpected pregnancy that has significantly impacted her career trajectory as she prepared for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. During a candid podcast interview, Johaug described her shock and disbelief upon learning she was pregnant, recounting her reaction as “Are you messing with me?” The unexpected news came as she was gearing up after a comeback to competitive skiing following a two-year break.

Johaug initially announced her retirement from elite competition in May 2025, citing exhaustion from her training for the World Championships and the physical demands impacting her mental state. However, it later emerged that Johaug had been aware of her pregnancy at the time of her retirement announcement. The pregnancy, described as unplanned, was a surprise not only to Johaug but also to her husband, Nils Jakob Hoff. She shared how she sensed something was off during training, leading to an emotional call to her coach where she expressed confusion over her altered physical condition.

Despite stepping away from elite racing, Johaug plans to continue competing in select events. She confirmed her intention to take part in the iconic Birkebeinerrennet long-distance race scheduled for March 14, 2026, and has set a new personal goal of running the Köpenhamn half marathon in September 2026. Her decision highlights her ongoing passion for athletics, balanced with her renewed focus on family life, which includes her husband and their two-year-old daughter Kristin.

Johaug’s story offers a profound glimpse into the complex decisions elite athletes face when balancing personal life changes and the pressures of competitive sport. Her openness about the psychological impact of the pregnancy and her subsequent career adjustments underscores the human side of high-performance athletes.

As of October 9, 2025, Johaug is navigating a path that respects both her family aspirations and her enduring love for competitive sports, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.