Marit Bjørgen is looking forward to first Olympic race in Whistler. She gained self-confidence of 2005, when she became the "Queen of cross-country skiing" at the Nordic World Championships in Oberstdorf. It seems she mentaly stronger than ever before and is having big medal ambitions. In past two World Championships in Sapporo 2007 and Liberec 2009 she was vainly searching for medal shape. Perhaps roots were elsewhere.
"I was under big pressure from media and fans. I could not cope with huge expectations and especially at big events I did not sell my skills - namely at the Olympics in Torino. I feel I was treated unfair - for each of my mistake, I had to listen too much criticism." explained the Norwegian star. These are the rules of the game - you fly high to the sky, but there is fast way down too. In order to avoid these situations Marit Bjoergen decided to cooperate with a specialist. "Psychologists Britt Tayet-Foksell has been helping me a lot. Now I focus only on myself and do not care about what other people think of me." She has received another "help" as well. Petter Northug has been under enourmous preassure and has been facing even bigger expectations. "Petter attracts huge media interest" said Bjoergen and added: "I really want to win a gold medal, and I feel that in 10 km F there is a big chance to get it. On the other hand I will not be disappointed if I go home with silver or bronze. I am well prepared, I am in good shape and I look forward to the start of the race." concluded Marit Bjoergen.
