Who is Magnus?
Magnus is an accomplished, young Norwegian Nordic Combined athlete. He recently graduated from a high school Jumping/Nordic Combined program in Norges Toppidrettgymnas (literally “top sport gymnasium”) in Littlehammer. He’s trained and competed with the Norwegian Junior National Team for the last year, and he’s already taught youth as young as age 3 through to 18 years.
He’s competed at the national level for Nordic Combined, and recently took first place in the Norwegian Cup, B class (one level under elite). He’s also secured a couple gold medals, a silver, and bronze as a youth aged 15-16.
He comes highly recommended by his coaches and fellow competitors – and is looking forward to this new coaching challenge in Canada.
What will Magnus do?
Magnus’ primary role is to lead our Nordic Combined/Ski Jump program. He will also round out his time by supporting our cross country athletes – working with coaches across all of our Nordic disciplines in XC, Biathlon, Ski Jumping/Nordic Combined. A few of you will have already met him!
Additionally, Magnus will be instructing with Whistler Olympic Park’s school program and in their new “try everything Nordic” program on Mondays.
Outside of his coaching duties, Magnus will be actively recruiting and growing the sports of Nordic Combined and Ski Jumping in our region.
How did we get so lucky?
Well it’s actually not luck. And this arrangement didn’t happen overnight. Rick Smith, board of directors, representing Ski Jump and Nordic Combined, and one of the founders of Sea to Sky Nordics, worked alongside a large team of people to make this happen.
It started by securing funding – a significant grant from Nordic Combined Canada – and an overseas recruitment and hiring process. Magnus was the successful applicant after months!!
Thanks to the entire team for your tireless efforts to find and bring Magnus to Sea to Sky!!!
More about Magnus
We caught up with Magnus during his first day in the Sea to Sky region. We put him to work right away – he joined the coaches for the biathlon development team XC practice. Here’s what we asked him…
What are you looking forward to most about coming to the Sea to Sky area?
I look forward to being a coach, instead of an athlete. I want to see how coaching is different here compared to Norway. I’ve never been a head coach. I want to see how the training for the kids is different here. And, how the competitions are different.
Skate or classic?
Skate.
Ski or jump?
Jump.
What do you do when you’re not on skis?
Work. I was teaching school in Norway, grades 8-10. I also like to chat with my friends – and play disc golf.
What are the top things you’d like to try in the Sea to Sky area?
I’d like to explore the area. I heard about Whistler and Callaghan from my friends who came here during the 2023 Nordic Junior World Ski Championships. The beautiful mountains remind me of Norway.
I’d also like to try biking the trails here and I heard there’s a good disc golf course in Squamish.
Please make sure you give Magnus a warm welcome and help him feel at home!!!!