Amundsen Reflects on Olympic 'Setback': 'Totally Withdrawn' Amidst Illness

Harald Østberg Amundsen, once seen as the closest competitor to Johannes Høsflot Klæbo in Norwegian cross-country skiing, has opened up about the profound impact of his Olympic struggles. In an interview with VG, Amundsen detailed the "seig smell" – a tough setback – he experienced, particularly the disappointment of not being selected for the relay. Illness struck at the worst possible moment, preventing him from achieving his peak form.

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It's the first time I've met a really tough setback out of my own expectations. It was tough not getting to ski the relay and things like that. It's impossible to prepare for how you're going to handle such a setback when it comes.

The contrast between his own performance and the glittering success of teammates like Klæbo was stark. Amundsen's results – a 6th place in the 20km skiathlon, 14th in the sprint, and 4th in his favored 10km freestyle – fell far short of his aspirations. He withdrew from the 50km race and was excluded from crucial team events. The mental battle waged in the solitude of his hotel room was intense, a mix of self-irritation and disappointment, amplified by the razor-thin margins that separate top performers in endurance sports.

From the perspective of Aftenposten, Amundsen's candid account offers a rare glimpse into the psychological pressures faced by elite athletes. His description of becoming "totally withdrawn" and finding everything an "ordeal" resonates with the understanding that even the most socially adept individuals can be consumed by the internal struggle of underperformance. The experience, he admits, was the first time he truly "went to the cellar" mentally. This vulnerability, shared openly, provides a humanizing counterpoint to the often-unblemished image of athletic triumph frequently portrayed in media.

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You are much by yourself. You are a mixture of irritated with yourself and disappointed. At the same time, I tried to be offensive towards what I was going to do going forward. You are constantly fighting with yourself.

Despite the setbacks, including lingering lung issues that affected him during the Tour de Ski, Amundsen's resolve appears unbroken. He views the Olympic experience, however painful, as a crucial learning opportunity. The "enormous" contrast between his expectations and reality has fueled a renewed determination to refine every detail over the next four years, aiming to elevate his performance to the highest level. His journey underscores that even in the face of significant adversity, the pursuit of excellence can lead to profound personal growth and a stronger commitment to future goals.

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I became totally withdrawn and everything really became an ordeal for a period. I didn't think it was cool to be on tour then. It was the first time I really went to the cellar.