Norway’s impressive run at the World Cup is yet another reminder that they’ve got this whole sport thing figured out. Whether it’s soccer, golf, tennis, or winter sports at the Olympics, a tiny nation of just 5.5 million people is now churning out world beaters at an extraordinary rate.

Norway’s Secret to Success

Norway’s inimitable striker Erling Haaland is the obvious star of the highlight reel, but one of the many secrets of their success can be found in the way they approach the game. According to Norwegian podcaster Martin Sleipnes, the team’s ability to play without pressure is a key factor in their success.

The absence of pressure is deeply ingrained in the Norwegian sports culture. As Bodø/Glimt’s General Manager Frode Thomassen explained, the focus is on learning and enjoying the game, rather than just winning. This approach is reflected in the way young athletes are developed in Norway, with an emphasis on fun and enjoyment from a young age.

A Different Approach

In Norway, children are encouraged to try out multiple sports and are not allowed to keep score or have league standings until the age of 12. This approach is in stark contrast to the system in the United States, where children are often specialized in a particular sport from a young age and are subjected to intense pressure to perform.

Norway’s approach has led to a number of successful athletes who have excelled in multiple sports. For example, Sondre Brunstad Fet, a midfielder for Bodø/Glimt, used to beat Johannes Høsflot Klæbo in cross-country skiing when he was a teenager. Klæbo, who is now a successful winter Olympian, always thought he’d be a soccer player.

Norway’s sports development pipeline is less about identifying talent quickly and then turbo-charging athletes to success, and more about letting them find their own way. As Tore Øvebrø, Norway’s director of elite sport, explained, the focus is on collaboration, communication, and care.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.