'Leave the kids alone': Norway explains formula behind Winter Olympics success

[demmiblue]

BORMIO, Italy, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Norway’s remarkable consistency at the Winter Olympics stems from a decades‑old culture that puts children’s happiness, equal access to sport and shared expertise ahead of fast results, the country’s head of delegation Tore Oevreboe said.

Norway leads the table with 27 medals, including 12 golds, ahead of hosts Italy. The Scandinavian nation has consistently led medals since the 2014 Games in Sochi and scored well in previous Olympics too.

"We know that we have to succeed in every event we participate in. But we try to stay very relaxed and humble … and we very much respect our competitors,” Oevreboe told Reuters, stressing that Norway does not take success for granted.

Oevreboe said Norway’s advantage begins far from elite facilities and medal targets. “It's not so easy to say what is the secret. It has to do with the way we organize our society,” he said.

https://www.reuters.com/sports/leave-kids-alone-norway-explains-formula-behind-success-2026-02-16/

[Jilly_in_VA]

1. If I'm not mistaken

they may also have a state sports commission which helps young athletes. Of course we would never consider such as it "smacks of socialism".