Paralympic comeback, 24 years later!
1998 Nagano Paralympic Games was the last time we saw Lars Andresen Jr. compete internationally. Over two decades later he has decided to come out of retirement to race at the 2022 Beijing Games.
Lars is a well known figure within the parasport community. At 26 years old Lars competed in ice sledge speed racing at the 1994 Lillehammer Paralympics, medaling in 4 races, two of them gold. He also competed in para nordic skiing in the 1998 Nagano Paralympics. After a 24 year hiatus from the Paralympic level Lars is aiming for gold once again in Beijing 2022. The road to gold he says, has been made much easier thanks to Spike and Spike Snow.
The Norwegian Sports- and Rehabilitation facility at Beitostølen introduced Lars to parasport
At the age of 18 Lars became paralyzed and felt that the world was falling apart when he ended up in a wheelchair. When he stayed at Beitostølen Health Sport Center for his rehabilitation in 1990 he was introduced to parasports ice sledge racing and para nordic skiing.
I was sold!
Road to the Paralympics
Merely two years after he started training parasports Lars made his para nordic skiing debut in the 1992 Paralympic Games in Albertville. Lars went on to compete in the ‘94 and ‘98 Paralympics, earning two gold in ice sledge racing in the 1992 Paralympics in Lillehammer. That year in 1992, Lars also set the world record for the 100m ice sledge speed race.
Now, 24 years later he’s aiming for the 2022 Paralympics in Beijing. We asked Lars how he is preparing for this amazing feat.
I’m always exercising a lot, so there’s no big difference after I made the final decision on working towards another Paralympics. The most important factors are focus and discipline. A lot of exercising, recovery, food and sleep. Planning for goals on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis are crucial to keep track of what you’re doing.
A support team is also beneficial and an important piece in preparing for Beijing.
I have a bunch of highly skilled people around me, here in my local community in Levanger and around Norway. My physiotherapist is helping me with the basic training while a nutritional physiologist helps out with the rowing, biking and poling exercises. I also get advice for the the training and support from the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Organization.
Facilitation for great workout conditions and proper equipment is crucial.
Beitostølen Health Sports Center has facilitated great workout conditions for me. Exero has been instrumental in facilitating me with the best available equipment on the market. I was the first person to receive a seated version of Spike so I could continue my training during the summer. I was also the first person to receive a Spike Snow which I intend to compete with at the Paralympics. I’ve had a lot of different para nordic sit-skis throughout the years, but now I never need to look for another one. Spike truly has revolutionized the way I train for the 2022 Paralympics in Beijing.
Lars on one of his workouts with Spike Snow this winter at Beitostølen, Norway. Photo: Viljar Aasan.
Combines a fulltime job and high performance sport
Lars works full time while training at an elite level to prepare for the Paralympics. At times it can be demanding combining work and high performance training.
I’m grateful that my manager at work has allowed me to workout two times a day. To be able to commit 100% to the grind of paralympic training I need help from people around me.
Despite the challenges for time and sponsorships heading towards the 2022 Paralympics in Beijing, motivation has never been a problem for Lars.
Motivation is simple. When you’re 52 years old and telling the world you’re training for the Paralympics you set the bar pretty high. You just have to do everything with full focus and discipline. In bad times you have to keep focused and keep on going. Good times will follow and that’s when you’ll get rewarded for all the time and effort you’ve put down. Life in general is better when staying active!
Taking part in developing new adaptive sports equipment
In early 2020, Exero set out to develop a seated version of Spike for people with higher disabilities or who are otherwise unable to sit on their knees. Lars’ insightful background made him the perfect candidate for the project and he soon became a permanent member of the R&D team.
Lars testing the first Spike (seated) prototype.
Based primarily on Lars’ input the team quickly realized that this new seated version of Spike could be made as both a summer and winter product. Early prototypes were made and endlessly reiterated based on Lars’ feedback. By 2021 a new seated para nordic sit-ski, Spike Snow, hit the market along with its summer edition, Spike (seated).
Just being asked to join the project and test early products has been such a fun journey. I’ve always felt that I’ve had something to contribute with these products, not just as a customer using the products. It’s been strictly professional work since day one.
Since receiving his early prototype of a seated version of Spike in June 2020, Lars has passed 2000 km. This winter Lars has covered 1000 km with his Spike Snow as well as placing first in the National Championships in Norway!
Lars testing the first Spike Snow prototype.
Lars is clear when it comes to why Spike and Spike Snow are his first choice:
The best part is that I’ve been part of testing these products and given feedback all the way, from early prototypes to final products. And, suddenly you find yourself with a product (or two) that can bring you to the Paralympics! But you don’t have to have major goals like that. Just being able to go out with your kids for a ride in the neighborhood or out in the woods is affecting my quality of life positively.
It’s been such a pleasure working closely with Lars in the development of Spike(seated) and Spike Snow, and we’re looking forward to following him all the way to Beijing!
Welcome to #TeamSpike, Lars!
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