Andrew Musgrave on hard times: ‘He just lost everything’

Britain’s Andrew Musgrave managed to climb to the podium for the first time in five years. When the 10K Classic was to be decided in Betostolen, the 32-year-old got a very favorable start. He was able to get up behind Norway’s Pål Golberg, who went off on the second lap just as Musgrave had started.

– I had a little flax. After third place, Musgrave says, it’s cold as it is today, so it helps a lot to get behind so I can save myself the first five kilometres.

Did you thank Golberg for the help?

– Yes, I have, he says, smiling.

But the way back to the podium was long and difficult. After Great Britain’s poor performance at the Olympics earlier this year, the national team sponsors have withdrawn.

– We did very badly at the Olympics, so we lost everything, – says Musgrave about difficult times.

– We were very unsure about how things would turn out in the future.

I thought of picking up my skis at the hotel room

Coaches were not paid and summer camps were not held. In the end, however, the coaching staff managed to arrange a scheme allowing for a new World Cup bid for Great Britain.

– We are very grateful to our coaches. Without them, I wouldn’t be standing here on the podium today, Musgrave notes.

What does it mean to give them this?

– that’s cool.

As for Musgrave’s own role, the financial part is now secured, but he has plans for how to resolve another season if the financial backing doesn’t materialize.

Carrying one’s own gear and bugging other nations’ ski trailers, or worst case, skis in a hotel room, wasn’t out of the question.

– I believed that I could go to some skating competitions, but it would not be the same. It’s a great relief not to have to think about it.

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