Team Essent has strengthened its roster with the signing of Norwegian speed skater Bjørn Magnussen, the team announced in a transfer that marks a significant addition to its sprint lineup. The 28-year-old athlete, born on January 2, 1998, in Trondheim, Norway, has committed to a one-year contract with the Dutch squad led by commercial director Sven Kramer and coach Jac Orie.
Magnussen, who stands 1.85 meters tall and weighs 86 kilograms, brings international experience to the team, having represented Norway in multiple World Single Distances Championships, World Sprint Championships, and European Championships. His career highlights include team sprint medals at the 2020, 2023, and 2024 World Single Distances Championships, as well as podium finishes in the team sprint at the European Championships in 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2026.
The skater’s decision to join Team Essent stems from a desire for a new challenge after years of training under Canadian coach Jeremy Wotherspoon, a four-time world champion and legend in short-distance speed skating. Wotherspoon recently transitioned to a role with the Canadian bond after a decade as head coach of Norway’s sprint selection.
“From him and my teammates, I’ve learned a lot,” Magnussen said, reflecting on his time with Wotherspoon. “Now it’s time for a new adventure, with other people and in a new environment. I think it will support me grow further.”
Magnussen’s move to the Netherlands is not his first experience in the country. He previously visited during a summer ice period, recalling a personal anecdote that has since become part of his story: “I was in the Netherlands for the summer ice period. I bought a pair of Crocs and put pins on them with ‘33,99’.” The reference to 33.99 seconds alludes to his personal best time in the 500 meters, achieved during the first World Cup of the last season in Salt Lake City.
That performance placed him among an elite group of skaters who have broken the 34-second barrier in the 500 meters. At the time, only 15 men had ever skated under 34 seconds, with Russian Pavel Kulizhnikov leading the rankings at 33.61 seconds, followed by Jenning de Boo at 33.63 and Yevgeniy Koshkin of Kazakhstan at 33.67.
“Skating under 34 seconds in Salt Lake City was a boyhood dream come true,” Magnussen shared. “I grew up in a family passionate about skating. We often talked about the world record, which used to be held by Jeremy at 34.03. Now more skaters have gone under 34 seconds, but being the first Norwegian to do so makes it extra special for me.”
The achievement was one of his primary goals at the start of that season. His time in the Netherlands during the summer ice period left a lasting impression, symbolized by the customized Crocs he wore as a reminder of his milestone.
Team Essent’s acquisition of Magnussen aligns with its strategy to bolster its sprint capabilities ahead of upcoming international competitions. The team, known for its focus on athlete development and performance, will integrate Magnussen into its training program under the guidance of Jac Orie, whose coaching approach emphasizes technical precision and race strategy.
Although Magnussen will now train and compete with Team Essent in domestic Dutch events, he will continue to represent Norway in international races, including World Cup events and championship competitions. This arrangement allows him to benefit from the team’s resources while maintaining his national team obligations.
The signing reflects a broader trend in speed skating where athletes seek cross-border collaborations to gain new perspectives and training methodologies. Magnussen’s move to the Netherlands follows similar transitions by other skaters aiming to refine their sprint techniques in high-performance environments.
As the 2025–2026 speed skating season progresses, Magnussen’s integration into Team Essent will be closely watched. His adaptation to a new training system, combined with his established sprint pedigree, positions him as a potential contributor to the team’s success in upcoming team sprint and individual events.
For now, the focus remains on his acclimatization to life in the Netherlands and the early stages of his partnership with Team Essent. The story of the Crocs, while lighthearted, underscores a meaningful moment in his career—a tangible reminder of a personal best that continues to motivate his pursuit of excellence on the ice.
Team Essent’s next official update regarding its roster and competition schedule is expected ahead of the upcoming World Cup calendar, with further details to be confirmed by the team’s management.
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