Former drag queen Maiken Caspersen Vala (33) will be the new assistant coach at the Norwegian Ski Association's regional team in Inlandet.
The federation states that the 33-year-old will contribute in individual sessions until coach Karl Gunnar Skjonsfjell is appointed from August 1. She will then continue to participate in sessions and as a sparring partner for both athletes and coaches throughout the fall and winter.
Falla will also contribute during certain race weekends next winter.
The former cross-country star will work for the Ski Association in addition to his work as a teacher for Wang in Hamar. She has been working there since fall 2021.
“I am very much looking forward to contributing to the coaching side of this exciting team,” says Falla.
Elon Innlandet's steering group leader, Torbjørn Broks Pettersen, is happy with the 'new signing'.
– This is a great resource in a support device for us. Maiken is one of the best cross-country skiers of all time, and we are very happy to be using her experience. This is ideal in terms of the Norwegian Ski Association's skiing policy document, where, for example, we want to welcome former active members into new roles when they leave, says Brooks Petersen.
Falla was for several years one of the world's leading runners. She has one medal from each Olympic title as well as five World Cup golds. Romerikingen can boast six gold medals in NM sprints.
Following her professional career, she also worked as an expert on cross-country skiing in a television context.
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