Bente Skary Skier Date of Birth: 10.09.1972 Country: Norway

Biography of Bente Skari

Bente Skari (formerly Bente Martinsen) was born on September 10, 1972, in Oslo, Norway. She began skiing at the age of 12 and quickly developed a passion for cross-country skiing. In 1992, she achieved her first major success as a junior athlete, winning a silver medal at the World Junior Championships in the 5km classic race.

Skari made her debut for the Norwegian national team in 1994 and went on to compete in three Olympic Games: Lillehammer 1994, Nagano 1998, and Salt Lake City 2002. At the Nagano Games, she won a silver medal in the relay and a bronze medal in the 5km classic race. In Salt Lake City, Skari had her most successful Olympic Games, winning gold in the 10km classic race and another silver in the relay. She also claimed a bronze medal in the 30km classic race.

Throughout her career, Skari participated in five World Championships, earning a total of five medals. She won three gold medals in the 5km race at the 1999 Championships, and in the 10km and 15km races at the 2001 Championships. She also won a silver medal in the relay at the 1997 Championships and a bronze medal in the relay at the 2001 Championships.

Skari's success extended to the World Cup circuit, where she became a three-time overall champion (1998/1999, 1999/2000, and 2001/2002). She finished in second place in the overall standings in the 1997/1998 and 2000/2001 seasons. In total, Skari won 34 World Cup races and achieved podium finishes in 13 others. In the current season, she has already won 9 World Cup races and currently leads the overall standings.

Off the slopes, Skari is married and resides in Nittedal, Norway. Despite her numerous achievements, she remains humble and grateful for her success in the sport of cross-country skiing. Skari's dedication to training, improvement in technique, and consistent performance have contributed to her status as one of Norway's most successful and respected athletes in the sport.