NRK, the Norwegian Public Broadcaster, had its official Sports Gala last night with live broadcasting from the Norwegian Athlete’s hotel. Amongst the nominated were no less than three Cross-Country skiers as well as the head coach of the National Ladies Team, Egil Kristiansen. Nominated as “the female athlete of the year” and “the role model of the year”, Bjoergen won both nominations and could celebrate her two big wins before the final climb this Sunday. Therese Johaug was nominated as “the name of the year” and won the price especially based on her great performance up Alpe Cermis last year as well as her win at the 30 km free race at the World Ski Championships in Oslo last year.
With a large crew from NRK, the athletes had dressed up for this big night seen with Norwegian eyes. Bjoergen and Johaug showed up in new dresses and were excited about the night. Handing out the award for “the name of the year”, Bjoergen and Johaug were both excited that Bjoergen won the award. Johaug won perhaps the highest nomination though, celebrating the win of "the name of the year".
Nominated as “the male athlete of the year”, Petter Northug had to see his country man Alexander Dale Oen (swimmer) take the award from him, but he was still happy to be nominated.
