Norwegian Ski Hero Jailed for Driving at 125mph High on Cocaine
24th December 2020
Last modified on May 13th, 2021
Two-time Olympic cross-country skiing champion Petter Northug is as famous in his country as David Beckham is in the UK. He drove at speeds of 125mph in his Jaguar and filmed the episode on his phone.
The 34-year old was on his way to his home in Trondheim from Trysil Summer Ski School when he was stopped by police for driving at 168kph on a road with a 110kph speed limit.
After the incident police searched his home and found cocaine.
He admitted to possessing cocaine, speeding and driving under the influence.
The Oslo District Court sentenced Northug to an unconditional seven months in prison and a lifetime driving ban.
A previous conviction for drunk driving in 2014 was taken into account for the sentencing.
We reported on the incident back in August:
The retired skier Petter Northug is one of Norway’s most famous athletes with multiple World and Olympic titles to his name
He won a total of 13 World Championship and 2 Winter Olympic gold medals (Vancouver 2010) with 20 medals overall.
He also had 18 individual Cross-Country World Cup wins with 13 podium places.
Northug acknowledged his guilt on social media after the incident.
“I made a big mistake. Last night I was stopped by the police for speeding. I was driving way too fast and was also taken to the emergency room for blood test. In addition, the police found a small amount of drugs at my house. It’s cocaine. I am in despair and afraid of what the future will bring, and incredibly sorry for all those who I have now disappointed, again. I know it will now be a criminal case. Then I will take responsibility for what I have done.”
Northug accepted the sentence and said he would not appeal.
“Northug wants to take the punishment he has received and move on in life,” said his lawyer Halvard Helle, as reported by ESPN.
