– I knew Inge very well, said Bjørn Dæhlie about Inge Bråten, who died today after a short illness.
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Dæhlie had Inge Bråten as coach for the first time when he was 16 years old.
– Inge is a very skilled trainer. He was ahead of his time in many areas, especially around altitude training and diet, Dæhlie recalls.
He highly praised Bråten for his progress in Norwegian men’s cross-country skiing.
– Inge took over the national team at a time when Skifobrundet had a very different budget to now, but Norway still made international inroads. There is a new generation, among others, Vegard Ulvang and the undersigned who are leaving quickly, Dæhlie said and added.
– There were very happy years.
Golden Boy
This is what is often seen under the leadership of Inge Bråten. Bjørn Dæhlie led Norway to a gold medal in the relay at the Olympics in Albertville in 1992.
Photo: Løchen, Per / SCANPIX
During Inge Bråten’s four-year tenure as manager of the Norwegian men’s national team, Bjørn Dæhlie really made inroads on the ski trail.
During the WC in Val di Fiemme in 1991, Dæhlie won two gold medals, before the Olympics in Albertville in 1992 followed with two gold medals and one silver.
Nannestad Express went on to win three gold medals and one bronze during the WC in Falun, before the Olympics in Lillehammer were crowned with two golds and two silvers.
In total, the Norwegian cross-country king won nine gold medals, three silver and one bronze in four championships with Bråten as his boss.
Additionally, Vegard Ulvang and Thomas Alsgaard are among the sport’s most prominent runners.
– Inge was instrumental in making us the best cross-country ski country in the world. Both ahead of the Olympics in Lillehammer and during the Olympics. Before the Olympics, cross-country skiing in Norway was nothing like it is today. It’s very unusual to win a medal, explained Dæhlie.
In total, Norwegian men’s cross country won a total of 15 Olympic and World Cup gold medals under the leadership of Inge Bråten.
– It was a wonderful and special year to be a part of and Inge stood in the middle of it.
– Clear leader
According to Dæhlie, Inge Bråten has above average engagement. He likes to get straight to the point, and he happens to step on someone’s toes. But most importantly, he always wanted the best for everyone.
– He’s clear. As a person, Inge goes straight to the point. He sometimes gets peppered for it. But he says whatever is necessary, and basically he just wants the best for everyone, Dæhlie said, before ending it.
– Inge has a genuine interest in sport in general, especially for us young cross country guys.
Bjørn Dæhlie remembers Inge Bråten as a real leader who took Norwegian men’s cross-country skiing to a new level. – Inge wants the best for everyone, says Dæhlie.
Photo: Junge, Heiko / SCANPIX
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