Oslo, Norway – A bizarre scene unfolded at the prestigious Holmenkollen Ski Festival this past weekend as British cross-country skier Gabriel Gledhill completed the grueling 50-kilometer race while reportedly consuming beer and spirits along the course. The 23-year-old finished 67th, over 20 minutes behind winner Einar Hedegart of Norway, but his performance was overshadowed by his unconventional approach to the competition.
The incident, first reported by Scandinavian media outlets including Aftonbladet and VGTV, quickly gained international attention. Gledhill openly admitted to drinking throughout the race, accepting offerings from enthusiastic spectators lining the course. “It was very, very fun. I got very full,” Gledhill told reporters, as translated from Swedish. “I started taking beer and spirits from the third lap. It was a crazy experience.”
The Holmenkollen 50km is a cornerstone event on the World Cup cross-country skiing circuit, known not only for its challenging course but also for its lively atmosphere. Fans are a significant part of the event, often creating a festive environment along the trails. However, Gledhill’s actions took that tradition to a new level.
According to Gledhill, the temptation was simply too great to resist. “I took maybe ten to twelve beers and five or six shots of spirits,” he said. “I’m pretty drunk now. It was quite difficult to get to the finish. But Holmenkollen is about having fun.” He further explained the economic incentive, noting that alcohol is expensive in Norway and he couldn’t refuse free drinks offered by the crowd.
The unusual circumstances drew a reaction from the race winner. Einar Hedegart, while acknowledging the festive spirit of Holmenkollen, quipped, “I don’t know what the legal limit is for cross-country skiing, but he shouldn’t have been driving afterwards.”
Gledhill wasn’t alone in indulging in the celebratory atmosphere. Fredrik Fodstad, a 25-year-old Norwegian skier competing for Colombia, was also seen accepting a beer from fans during the race, though his race ended prematurely after being lapped by the leaders.
This isn’t typical behavior for a World Cup athlete, and raises questions about the boundaries of sportsmanship and competition. However, the Holmenkollen’s unique atmosphere, combined with the length of the 50km race, may have contributed to Gledhill’s decision. Athletes further down the rankings often approach the race with a more relaxed attitude, particularly when significantly behind the frontrunners.
Gledhill’s future in the sport remains uncertain. He recently learned he was denied permanent residency in Norway, where he has lived for the past six years, a development that may influence his decision to continue competing. The World Cup season is set to conclude next week with competitions in Lake Placid, potentially marking the end of Gledhill’s career.
The incident has sparked debate within the skiing community and beyond, raising questions about responsible behavior and the balance between competition and enjoyment. While Gledhill’s actions were certainly unconventional, they have undoubtedly created a memorable – and somewhat unbelievable – story from this year’s Holmenkollen Ski Festival.
The next stop on the cross-country skiing World Cup circuit is Lake Placid, New York, beginning next week. Fans can follow updates and results on the official FIS Cross-Country website: https://www.fis-ski.com/en/cross-country.
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