Karoline Bjerkeli Grovdal won her third consecutive European women’s cross-country title. The 33-year-old Norwegian athlete had an excellent run in Brussels and took the lead from the start, not allowing a single competitor to overtake her until the end. Karoline Bjerkeli Grovdal won gold in the 9,000-meter distance with a time of 33:40 minutes.
“Everyone thinks I train in the mud like this, but I don’t. Actually, I am a track athlete, but I have experience in cross-country skiing. That’s probably why I’m good at cross country. Of course, I will try to win a fourth title next year, but I think three in a row is already incredible”, said Karoline Bjerkeli Grovdal after another gold medal.
Under-20 and under-23 European cross-country champion Nadia Battocletti (Italy) won the silver medal in 34:35 minutes, while Abbie Donnelly (UK) finished third in 34:42 minutes.
“It was a beautiful course, but there was so much mud. When I saw it, I was a little scared because I don’t like running in the mud. I think I won this medal mostly because of my mental strength. I kept pushing myself to go faster and follow the lead group. I ran against some very strong athletes and I am very happy with this silver medal”, said Nadia Battocletti after the race.
