In the latest episode of the Skiing is Believing podcast, brought to you by Ski Racing Media, co-hosts Matt Garcka and Alan Rigg were joined by the head coach of the Norwegian men’s tech team, Ola Masdal.
Masdal was keen to share his enthusiasm and positivity over the 2024/25 season for his team, with all four of the squad—Henrik Kristoffersen, Atle Lie McGrath, Timon Haugan, and Alexander Steen Olsen—scoring at least one World Cup win. The team gathered nine wins and 24 podiums across giant slalom and slalom, with those four involved in all of the success.
Masdal also reflected on his early days skiing with his father and two brothers in the Norwegian mountains, before a short-lived racing career that ended at the FIS level. He recounted how a single day of ski racing unexpectedly led him into full-time coaching at the now-renowned Bærum Ski Club near Oslo.
Masdal also shared some of his core coaching philosophies with Matt and Alan, emphasizing the power of belief, a quality he sees as essential in every athlete, from young U12 racers to World Cup champions. It’s a mindset he has consistently instilled in the athletes and teams he’s worked with throughout his career.
To wrap up the episode, Matt fired off his usual quick-fire questions, and Ola, one of the youngest head coaches on the World Cup circuit, shared a funny story from his time with the Swedish team. He talked about coaching Andreas Myhrer, who was 39, while he himself was just 29, making for some memorable moments.
This is the second episode of the Skiing is Believing podcast’s summer series, so stay tuned for much more over the next few months. You can follow their journey over the off-season via Instagram and YouTube via @skiingisbelievingpodcast and get in contact with Matt and Alan using mattgarcka.skiingisbelieving@gmail.com.
About the Author: Matt Garcka
