Svindal praises fiancée Iuel after historic European Championship gold

Amalie Iuel secured a dream start to her final competition, winning European Championship gold in the 4x400m mixed relay. Her fiancé, retired alpine skiing champion Aksel Lund Svindal, watched from the stands and lauded the "very deserved" victory.

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It was incredibly exciting. A lot can happen in a relay, and you have extra nerves on top of that.

"It was incredibly exciting. A lot can happen in a relay, and you have extra nerves on top of that," Svindal told VG. He had high hopes for the Norwegian team, believing they were strong medal contenders who could win if everything aligned.

"Amalie deserves it so much. I know how much it means to her, but it also means a lot to me, to Leif, and to the whole group that she actually gets this now at the end," said teammate Karsten Warholm. He added, "I can hardly put into words how deserved it is, because Amalie has fought for so many years and been at a high level for a long time, so it's great that she gets this."

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It's extra special. Amalie deserves it so much. I know how much it means to her, but it also means a lot to me, to Leif, and to the whole group that she actually gets this now at the end.

Iuel, who has announced her retirement after the season to focus on expanding her family with Svindal, including their three-year-old son Storm, received optimal stage management from commentators. "Amalie Iuel manages her leg perfectly. She is so good at not getting stressed," commented NRK expert Vebjørn Rodal.

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I can hardly put into words how deserved it is, because Amalie has fought for so many years and been at a high level for a long time, so it's great that she gets this.

Svindal has closely followed Iuel's athletic pursuits, particularly the Norwegian relay project. "I think it's very deserved. She's had a great season and worked with the relay project for quite some time. What has happened this year is very, very fun," Svindal said, impressed by her rapid progress after childbirth. He noted the logistical challenges of balancing elite sports and family life, which they have managed well.

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Amalie Iuel manages her leg perfectly. She is so good at not getting stressed.