Norway Grades 7+

The history of Norway is largely linked to that of the rest of Scandinavia, but its location to the west gives it a long coastline overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Norwegian coast is cut by many fjords, out of which the Vikings began their raids. Today, those fjords serve as homes to Norway’s fishing fleet and the destinations of tourists. Two fjords, Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord, are world heritage sites.

Spectacular mountains, some snow-peaked much of the year, jut up from the fjords. Combine high altitudes and snow and you get skiing. The Norwegians can be considered the inventors of modern skiing. The wood-processing industry was born from the demand of English merchants. In 1886, the first ski manufacturing factory opened in Oslo.

Norwegians love to ski, snowboard, and ice skate. The rugged landscape gives ample opportunity to stay active and fit. As a result, most Norwegians are athletic. Despite having a population of only 5.2 million, they have dominated such “giants” as Russia, Germany, and the United States. Norwegians have won 330 medals – the most of any nation – since the Winter Olympics began in 1924.

In 2018, they won a staggering 39 medals, including 16 golds, the most by any nation in a single Winter Games. They broke the record of 15 golds – a record they also held. The most medals by one person in the Winters Olympics is Norway’s cross-country skier, Marit Bjørgen, with 15. Close behind him is Bjorn Daehlie, with eight golds and four silvers.

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Nor is Norway’s success in sports only in the Winter Games.

In the 2021 Games, held in China, Karsten Warholm broke the 29-year-old world record in the 400-meter hurdles. He ran the hurdles faster than 18 top athletes who ran a 400-meter race without hurdles!

At just 16 years old, Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen ran a mile in 3 minutes, 46.46 seconds. He became the youngest person ever to run the mile in under four minutes. Then, in the 2021 Summer Games, he became the third of three brothers to compete in an Olympics. He defeated the defending 1500-meter world champion and won the gold.

But perhaps his most remarkable achievement occurred when he didn’t win. He placed second in a race in California’s San Juan Capistrano – he was barely beaten by the former world champion. Jakob wondered why he had felt so physically weak during the event. The next day, he discovered that he had Covid! Ever confident, Jakob said, “I think if I was healthy, I would have won by 100 meters.”

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Such successes beg the question: Why do Norwegians do so well on the world’s athletic stage? Sports scientists have asked the same question. Some of their answers include:

• • The high level of athleticism of the Norwegian people
  • The excellent facilities and training opportunities
  • The support of the government and population for Olympic athletes.

Another reason: the country’s strong focus on winter sports. But why would that help produce such phenomenal runners?

It seems that, because skiing uses poles and requires the use of all four limbs, people who engage in cross-country skiing have higher oxygen uptake than in running. That means even the most fit runner increases aerobic capacity by engaging in considerable cross-country skiing.

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The way Norwegians face life is also key to athletic success. Norwegians have developed a unique culture and lifestyle that has been shaped by their natural environment. Over the centuries, they have adapted to the harsh conditions of the Arctic by developing a strong sense of self-reliance and resourcefulness.

They have also developed a deep respect for nature and the environment. This has led them to adopt a sustainable approach to life, which is reflected in their traditional way of living. Whether skiing, running, hiking, or taking a nap in a hammock, they love spending time outdoors, a concept they call friluftslivis, in the arms of Mother Nature. She rewards them with superior athletic skills.