Musgrave Aims to Correct Past Olympic Mistakes at Fifth Games
Frequent Olympian Andrew Musgrave is gearing up for his fifth appearance at the Games, hoping to rectify past disappointments. The 35-year-old cross-country skier boasts a long history in the sport, having made his international debut 16 years ago. His journey has been marked by both challenges and significant milestones.
Musgrave’s Olympic Journey
Musgrave made his Olympic debut in Vancouver as a teenager, where he struggled to find his footing, finishing outside the top 50 in all his events. A subsequent appearance at the Sochi Olympics left him feeling frustrated, as extreme heat affected his performance. “I skied like a tranquillized badger,” he remarked about that experience.
From Struggles to Success
His breakthrough came in PyeongChang, where he achieved Britain’s best-ever results in cross-country skiing, finishing seventh. However, the last Olympics in Beijing were disappointing for him, leaving him eager to focus on better outcomes at Milano Cortina 2026.
Building for the Future
Musgrave acknowledges that age is a factor, but maintains that he still has more to contribute to the sport. Two top-ten finishes at last year’s world championships bolster his confidence. “I’ve been to four Olympics and been rubbish in all of them, but I still think I can do it,” he stated. His current mindset emphasizes performance over experience.
Support from the Community
Musgrave reflects on the community around cross-country skiing, noting that in Norway, the sport resembles a religious experience. Fans camp overnight in the snow to secure prime viewing spots. The tradition and support he has received from Norwegian peers have helped him integrate into this passionate sporting culture.
Injuries and Aging
While Musgrave remains optimistic, he recognizes the challenges that age brings. “Any injury or illness finds you out. You have to be in peak condition to have a chance,” he remarked. His experience has made him aware that maintaining performance level becomes increasingly challenging over time. He remains committed to the grind of training, viewing his resilience as a key strength.
Men’s Olympic Cross-Country Skiing
In contrast to Musgrave, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo of Norway is a prominent figure in the sport, vying for a record-breaking eighth Olympic gold medal. Klæbo has already secured five golds in his illustrious career.
Watch the Upcoming Olympics
Fans looking forward to Milano Cortina 2026 can catch all the action live. TNT Sports on discovery+ will provide comprehensive coverage, offering over 850 hours of content across various sports, venues, and medal events.
