Henrik Kristoffersen - Olympic Medalist and Husqvarna Factory Rider
Making history by becoming the youngest medallist in Olympic alpine skiing history, Austria-based Norwegian Henrik Kristoffersen is an avid motocross rider and a proud ambassador for Husqvarna Motorcycles
The ‘Wild Child’ has grown up. He started his professional skiing career aged 17, winning his first race and one of the biggest alpine ski events there is – the night race in Schladming. Husqvarna Motorcycles brand ambassador Henrik Kristoffersen spoke to us about growing up, moving to Austria, training, trust, the upcoming season and the Olympic games. Also in conversation was his passion for MX, his nickname and ‘maybe’ auditioning to become a factory rider– we met the Norwegian trackside at the X-BOWL in Salzburg.
Henrik, you recently moved to Salzburg. How do you like the city, Austria, and why did you decide to live here?
“It was a part practical, part emotional decision. Practical because Salzburg is situated much more central than Norway is. During the season, I used to spend a lot of time in hotels, which I felt was not the ideal situation. Living in Salzburg is much more convenient for training at Reiteralm and I don’t have to drag my stuff back and forth from Norway. Plus, I have my own space to relax, which is of course much better than living out of a suitcase for 200 days or more each year. Emotionally I moved to Salzburg because it’s a beautiful city with a very open-minded and international crowd.”
So, no culture shock?
“Not too much – I think that the Norwegian and Austrian mindset and culture is quite similar. I also spent a lot of time in Austria so I was quite familiar with the country before I moved here – language-wise I get by with the German that I speak, so everything’s fine.”
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