Six years ago, a pivotal decision reshaped Anikken Gjerde Alnæs’s trajectory in the world of cross-country skiing. Now, as the Summit 2 Senja race concludes on Sunday morning, she will cross the finish line for the final time as a fully dedicated professional skier, marking the end of a career that spanned over three decades. The 32-year-old athlete, who has been competing in ski races since the age of 11, acknowledged the profound significance of this transition. "Skiing has been a huge part of my life," Alnæs stated in the lead-up to her season finale.
Alnæs’s journey to the professional circuit was a testament to perseverance. After dedicating ten years to chasing World Cup spots and championship qualifications, she made her World Cup debut in December 2020. In a remarkable display of talent, she achieved a top-10 finish in her very first World Cup appearance. Shortly thereafter, Alnæs made another significant career choice: she shifted her focus from traditional all-around cross-country skiing to long-distance races, often referred to as Ski Classics. At 26 years old, this move came at a time when Ski Classics was frequently perceived as a secondary option for elite skiers, perhaps for those who had not secured a place on national teams or had concluded their all-around careers. It was sometimes viewed as a domain for "the next best," those who hadn’t reached the very pinnacle of the sport.
However, Alnæs never subscribed to this perspective. She embraced the long-distance discipline with unwavering conviction and has never looked back. "I was an inexperienced sprinter who has become something I never dreamed was possible," she reflected. When questioned about any potential regrets regarding her switch to Ski Classics or any lingering thoughts about pursuing Olympic or World Championship medals, Alnæs’s response was unequivocal: "No."
A Transformative Shift to Long-Distance Skiing
The long-distance format proved to be Alnæs’s true calling. Within this discipline, she discovered a supportive community, an environment conducive to growth, and a performance culture that allowed her to flourish. Her career in Ski Classics has been described as an "wild ride," filled with learning, experiences, and encounters with remarkable individuals.
"I’ve learned so much, experienced so much, and met so many fantastic people," Alnæs shared. Her journey began with four years in Team Ragde Charge, under the guidance of the renowned Aukland brothers and Magnar Dalen, who consistently challenged her to improve her skiing and provided unwavering support. More recently, she has spent her last two seasons with Team Engcon. "It’s been an incredible journey," she stated, adding, "And it has become so much more than I expected. I had a dream of winning a race, of achieving a victory before I retired. I have accomplished so much more than the young Anikken would have thought possible. Even though I dreamed of the Olympics, championships, and World Cups, Ski Classics was the right path for me. Making that choice also allowed me to continue competing for longer than I might have otherwise."
Concluding Her Career on a High Note
As the final weekend of the Ski Classics season approaches, Alnæs is in a commanding position. She currently leads the overall Ski Classics standings with 465 points, holding a substantial advantage and is poised to secure the coveted yellow bib for the second consecutive year. Her previous season was nothing short of extraordinary. In 2023, she achieved three victories, clinched the overall Ski Classics title, and secured the green sprint bib. This remarkable success came against considerable odds, particularly following a severe roller ski accident that nearly proved fatal. At the time, Alnæs expressed doubts about her ability to surpass that monumental season.
This current season, however, has seen Alnæs elevate her performance even further. She has already claimed five victories and has mathematically secured the sprint bib. Furthermore, she has a theoretical chance to win all three major bibs: she is currently in second place in the climbing competition, trailing by 37 points, but with a mathematical possibility of claiming that title as well. Her team, Team Engcon, is also leading the team competition. Despite her strong position, Alnæs remains grounded, emphasizing that she will not take anything for granted until she crosses the finish line on Sunday, marking her final race as a professional athlete.
When asked about the emotional aspect of her final race, Alnæs admitted to uncertainty. "I don’t know. I have periods where I am extremely affected by emotions, and last year’s final race was very emotional. It’s been a good week, and I’m satisfied with how I’m managing my mindset right now. So, I’ll deal with the emotions as they come after the race."
Future Plans and Personal Milestones
Looking beyond her professional skiing career, Anikken Gjerde Alnæs does not have concrete plans for her next chapter. However, two significant personal milestones are on the horizon: she intends to spend more time with friends and family, and she is set to marry in July.
The decision to retire from professional skiing, while undoubtedly bittersweet, marks the culmination of a long and impactful career. Alnæs’s journey from a promising young skier to a dominant force in the long-distance discipline is a story of adaptability, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Her choice to pivot to Ski Classics, at a time when it was perhaps less celebrated, ultimately allowed her to redefine success on her own terms and achieve a level of fulfillment that might have eluded her on a different path. The sport of cross-country skiing, both traditional and long-distance, will undoubtedly feel her absence, but her legacy as a tenacious competitor and a thoughtful athlete will endure.
