Lessons from Norway

What Makes a Nation Consistently World-Class?

An article written by Sophie Herzog, Øyvind Sandbakk, Trond Nystad and Rune Talsnes

Once again, Norway finds itself at the top of the medal table after the first week of the Winter Olympic Games 2026. For many, this dominance has almost become expected. Yet what makes Norway’s success remarkable is not only how often it wins in winter sports - but how consistently it continues to develop world-class athletes across an ever-widening range of summer disciplines as well.

With a population of just 5.6 million, Norway repeatedly outperforms far larger nations. The obvious question resurfaces each time Norwegian athletes step into the global spotlight: how is this possible?

We’ve explored this question before. And still, interest peaks whenever results make the underlying system visible again. That, in itself, is telling. Because beyond medals and moments, Norway’s success rests on principles that are neither seasonal nor sport-specific.

So here we go again - let’s once more highlight Norway’s timeless, holistic principles of athlete development.

Some of the key elements of Norway's sports model are:

1. Children’s rights in sports
   Norway ensures that children up to age 12 participate in sports in a way that prioritizes enjoyment, safety, and skill development – free from pressure or results-based judgement. The "Children’s Rights in Sports" framework encourages lifelong participation and provides a strong foundation for those who later pursue elite sports. Rather than pushing for early specialization, young athletes are encouraged to explore multiple sports, fostering well-rounded development before committing to a specific path. The core philosophy emphasizes mastery of skills over results, prioritizing long-term growth and enjoyment.

2. Olympiatoppen and elite athlete development
   Olympiatoppen, Norway’s national high-performance sports center works across Olympic sports and plays a vital role in developing elite athletes through supporting and challenging coaches and athletes. It has regional centers across the country, integrating expertise from academia and local sports communities to create a strong foundation for long-term success. Olympiatoppen is responsible for identifying and defining the “Gold Standards” across all areas of preparation and training, ensuring that this knowledge is effectively shared with each sport federation. They also play a key role in establishing a common “language” and shared understanding of key training principles (e.g., definition of intensity zones).

3. A shared, holistic training philosophy
   The Norwegian sports model emphasizes a holistic athlete development, focusing on social, mental, and physical aspects. However, there is also a shared understanding of what it takes to train towards world-class performance within and across sports, and shared tools such as intensity scales, terminology and test systems.

4. The (Norwegian) team model
   Most Norwegian athletes train together in teams and clubs, reinforcing the belief that collective strength leads to greater individual success. Cooperation and knowledge-sharing among teammates, even in individual sports, creates a supportive environment that drives excellence.

5. Collaboration across sports
   Norway promotes knowledge-sharing across different sports through joint research and development projects. This interdisciplinary approach ensures continuous enhancement of training methods, innovation, and fosters team-building, benefitting athletes across various disciplines.

6. Education and development of coaches
   Norway invests in the education of coaches through universities and colleges. This includes embracing the combination of academic and best-practice experiences, ensuring that coaches are well-equipped to support athletes' development in a structured and effective way.

7. Balancing sports and education
   Young athletes are encouraged to combine their sporting careers with education, ensuring long-term career opportunities beyond sports. Norway’s sports-focused high schools and flexible university programs allow athletes to build their careers in parallel without having to sacrifice their athletic ambitions.

Accordingly, Norwegian sports are built on a foundation of inclusivity, long-term development, and collaboration, ensuring that athletes thrive both on and off the field. At the grassroots level, broad participation ensures that all children and young athletes have access to sports, regardless of ability. This inclusive approach, supported by community engagement and volunteerism, creates a strong social foundation for lifelong participation in sports and paves the way for future elite athletes. Furthermore, Norway’s focus on long-term athlete development ensures that training is structured around gradual progression rather than immediate results…. and the effectiveness of this model is evident again in Norway’s performance at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, just like it was last year at the Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim.

At MYRA Center for Athlete Development, we embrace the same philosophy that has driven Norway’s sporting success. Our approach prioritizes the overall well-being of athletes, integrating physical, mental, emotional, and social growth into their training. By fostering environments that support personal development, education, and long-term sustainability, we help athletes and sports organizations achieve lasting success beyond competition.

By following these principles, Norway has created a blueprint for sustained excellence in sports. MYRA continues to build on this foundation, empowering athletes to reach their full potential both on and off the field.