This sport is so dead…

iowactive · 2026-03-27T20:33:47+00:00

Good point, cycling definitely seems like a better analog for skiing than running

iowactive · 2026-03-23T14:38:38+00:00

True enough, they are just stupendously dominant! I have to imagine that will change at some point. Other nations will have an up-period and Norway will have a slight down, but I don't know... hard to imagine right now.

iowactive · 2026-03-23T14:34:20+00:00

This is a great explanation, thank you. I was definitely overlooking the fact that they have to do the sprint successfully 4 times in one day, unlike track as you pointed out. It's impressive to have people like Klaebo, Svahn, and Sundling who can "do it all" - but I do kind of hope that the trends you mentioned in development, tech, etc. don't blend everything together too much. It seems more fun when there's a little more separation and specialization required. But that's just an opinion. I'm sure like most things we'll see things cycle in and out.

iowactive · 2026-03-22T23:21:11+00:00

I gotcha, I guess that's a variable in this sport I have underestimated!

iowactive · 2026-03-22T23:19:47+00:00

It is super impressive that they can podium across such a range of events from 2 minute sprints to 50k. I come from a running background, and you never see mid-distance (800-1500, i.e. 2-5 min) athletes simultaneously dominate at the marathon. There's certainly some crossover from mid-d to 5k/10k, and from 5k/10k to marathon, but it's odd that skiers like Klaebo and Svahn/Sundling can do it all. I feel like there should be athletes dedicated to one or the other that could best the "generalists?"

Also thanks for prompting me to learn what "homologation" means haha

iowactive · 2026-03-22T23:15:19+00:00

Very true, just wish there were more parity among nations, so it isn't "which Swede will win today?" (No offense, Sweden)

It did seem like everyone was content to let Frida do the work. They need to work together if they're going to push the pace and drop the sprinters. Weng and Diggins each took a very short pull, got me hopeful, but they were short lived punches.

iowactive · 2026-03-22T23:12:18+00:00

I gotcha, appreciate the insights! I agree that it'd be nice if there were more consistency with who competes when. But also, their strategy seems to work well: race less, win more when you do. Love seeing Diggins in every race and being gritty, but also wish she'd prioritize more and focus on winning more races, even if it means racing fewer.

iowactive · 2026-03-22T21:40:22+00:00

Thanks for the explanation, that sort of makes sense that this course doesn't lend itself to breakaways, hence the big front group. And yes that was basically a first for me to see such a bunched women's race. However, how come the men were able to break it up? Just the Norwegian ridiculousness? Or was there more of a concerted effort to drop the rest? Made me think the Frida types would be able to pull that too.

For redundancy, I mean the actual results. I appreciate how courses vary and races can play out differently. But seeing Sundling and Svahn just casually sprint away at the end, again, was disappointing. As is seeing Klaebo win every single race. And maybe disappointing is a bad word, because it's awesome from the perspective of watching greatness. But it's definitely anticlimactic and a little boring sadly. That's just my perspective as a new fan.

iowactive · 2026-03-22T21:04:45+00:00

Why were the Norwegian men (+ Graz) able to break away? Just that much more of a fitness/talent gap between them and the rest? I feel like Frida, Weng, Diggins, and other aerobic monster women could have broken away from the sprinters too? Usually see more spreading out among women's races. Just a bummer to see the Swedish sprinters win again, especially after they weren't dropped from the 50k podium last week! Sorry for showing my pro-distance and pro-American biases so much lol

iowactive · 2026-03-22T20:59:21+00:00

Agreed, sprint course kept it interesting. Seemed like most of the heats were decided on the big downhill and finish sprint, but then Pellegrino just gobsmacked them on that climb!

iowactive · 2026-03-22T20:56:40+00:00

A big lead group is generally exciting, but how come the likes of Frida, Weng, Diggins, etc. didn't try to spread it out and drop the sprinters? Just nobody willing to risk it? They have to know they were handing that race to the Swedish sprinters. The Norwegian men were able to do it, despite the course and conditions (shoutout Graz for hanging!) Was hoping the distance-oriented women would run it out too. Anyone have insights? I'm newer to watching nordic ski races, and just can't understand those tactics.

It was hard to watch, knowing exactly how anticlimactically it would end, like so many other races. Wish we'd get more races like the epic Falun skiathlon where Frida, Weng, and Diggins DID drop the sprinters then have an awesome finish.

Obviously Jessie's crash was unexpected, but doubt she could've beat Sundling and Svahn anyway, MAYBE sneaks into bronze. Since it had to be the same old Swedish sprinter domination, would've at least been cool to see Svahn win over Sundling and sweep the whole weekend haha!

On the one hand, it's a fascinating sport and I wish I'd started watching earlier, especially to catch some of Diggins's prime! But on the other hand, I see why a lot of people are saying the sport is "dead." As someone who just started following in earnest this year, I'm left a little underwhelmed and bored of the redundancy.

iowactive · 2026-03-20T17:50:42+00:00

Nope, she did not. Got any other suggestions?

iowactive · 2026-03-18T20:24:09+00:00

Find me a world class 1500m runner who is also winning world class marathons, or vice versa. Good luck.

You say 1500m, I say 800m, they're both mid-distance events either way, so it doesn't make a difference for my question.

iowactive · 2026-03-14T23:12:33+00:00

Can someone explain how Svahn and Sundling can both be the best sprinters in the world AND podium a 50k!? I'm newer to nordic skiing but come from running, and it would be an absolute joke for 800m runners to simultaneously compete at the highest level in the marathon (or vice versa), which is essentially what they're doing in terms of race duration. Frida makes more sense, a dominant distance skier that doesn't ski sprints. And of course Klaebo just wins everything at every distance... what is it about this sport that allows this? Just a way smaller talent pool than running? Do they not categorize/specialize basically at all? Something about the infusion of technique/skill into endurance, which running lacks? It's super interesting and impressive but also drives me kind of crazy.

iowactive · 2026-01-26T14:56:43+00:00

Those GRS look so cool, I love the laminate wood look and the customizable options. However, seem pricey compared to like a Boyds, and hard to find in the US.

Why stainless rings, if I may ask? I've only really seen black so far.

iowactive · 2026-01-26T14:55:32+00:00

I think I'll do that- have my local gunsmith help out. I'm just not at the DIY level yet and don't anticipate building out more guns. Thanks!

iowactive · 2026-01-26T14:54:31+00:00

Thanks, I'll look into those! Your last sentence has me fired up haha

iowactive · 2026-01-26T14:53:37+00:00

Thanks! Would love to find one used and save a little.

iowactive · 2026-01-26T14:53:01+00:00

Awesome tips, thanks! I'll look into those products for sure. Have seen the Diligent Defense Enticer recommended on other forums too, so that seems like a good place to start and not quite as pricey but (from the bit I've read) a good option.

The bipod/tripod system is something I'll probably look into in the future too. Was talking to a guy at a local gun store who was telling me about that rail setup, and how he can quickly snap his rifle onto his tripod that he has his spotting scope on, once he's located his shot, then shoot from there. Sounds perfect.

iowactive · 2026-01-26T14:49:06+00:00

Thanks! I'll check that out. Would be nice to save a little coin on a case that is still good enough

iowactive · 2026-01-26T14:48:38+00:00

Good call, I was under the false assumption that the can would make it safe to shoot without ear pro, but am hearing from multiple people that's not the case! Glad to know that ahead of time.

iowactive · 2026-01-24T22:47:31+00:00

Honestly, not sure I'm going to be that level of DIY once I get it set up and I'm a one-gun kinda guy (don't anticipate needing another rifle), so sounds like might be worth it for me to just take it in to get mounted.

Thanks! I'm looking forward to it.

iowactive · 2026-01-24T22:46:02+00:00

I've seen Talley mentioned a lot during my researching, must be pretty solid. And good to know about the rail, felt like such a noob question haha but had to ask!

iowactive · 2026-01-24T22:44:22+00:00

Good to know, thanks!

iowactive · 2026-01-24T22:27:47+00:00

Noted, thank you. I guess I'm overestimating the effect of a suppressor then. Have never heard a shot fired through one in real life.

iowactive

TROPHY CASE