It’s been almost three weeks since Monsen was relieved of his duties as the head trainer for the Canadian national team. According to NRK, Monsen is within days of signing a contract with the Swedish ski federation to be the new head trainer for the Swedish national team. Originally, there was going to be talk that Bråten might of taken that job, but he eventually filled the vacant spot left by Monsen.
In other news it appears Petter Northug is taking Bjørn Dæhlie’s advice that soccer makes for great cross-training. After finishing his 2008-2009 season by winning the Bruksvallarna 33km, Northug is now joining the local Mosvik football team in Norway’s prestigious Division 5 in an attempt to help the team get promoted to Division 4 football next season. In addition, John Kristian Dahl, Johan Kjølstad, Chris Jespersen, and Petter’s little brother Thomas will also be playing for the team. At least the team won’t have to worry about stamina during matches.
Lastly, it appears Anders Sodergren is recovering successfully after having back surgery at the end of the season. Near the end of the Tour de Ski this past season, Anders felt severe pain in his back near the end of the 15km in Nove Mesto and subsequently dropped the remainder of the races. The pain was coming from a moving disc in the lumbar region and was stabilized by some heavy physiotherapy so he could race the rest of the season. However, a nerve became pressed against a lumbar vertebrae which caused excruciating pain. Just before he went into surgery on March 26th, the pain in his back was so intense he couldn’t even sit up! The surgery successfully eased pressure on a nerve that had been squeezed against a disc in his lumbar region. It’s been about four weeks since his surgery so hopefully he will be able hit the ground running and have a successful summer of training in his pursuit for an Olympic medal.
Til Next Time.
