No wonder that Petter Northug looks pretty exhausted this Monday at ISPO Munich. He arrived directly from the famous cross-country skiing race Marcialonga in Italy, where he covered 70 kilometres on the cross-country ski run on Sunday. "99th I became. So top 100. I'm happy," says the Norwegian and grins.
These words make it clear that a lot has changed in the life of the 13-time cross-country skiing world champion and two-time Olympic champion after his retirement from competitive sports around a year ago. In the past, even a second place was a defeat for the eccentric sports hero, who was once sentenced to 50 days in prison after drunk driving, including hit-and-run and false testimony.
"I have a good life and I'm still in competitive mode. But now in the business sector," says Northug. He works as a TV expert for Norwegian television, for which he is also active in the entertainment sector. Northug is the protagonist of a country show between his home country and Sweden - the very neighbouring country he has so often defeated in sprint finishes in relay races.
At the ISPO Munich, however, the 34-year-old functions as an ambassador for his brand Northug. This business story started with glasses, and clothing is to follow in the coming winter. As a world premiere, a running suit can be seen at the ISPO Munich. "I've won everything in my career that I wanted to win. Now I just want to make a brand the number 1 and the ISPO Munich is the perfect stage to start the journey", says Northug.