# Kristine Stavås Skistad and Konnerud IL coach dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kristine-stavs-skistad-and-konnerud-il-coach-dispute
> Updated: 2026-10-05T20:43:52.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 3.

Norwegian cross-country skier Kristine Stavås Skistad has left her childhood club, Konnerud IL, to join Mjøndalen IF Ski following allegations of power abuse and manipulation against her former coach, Lage Sofienlund.

Skistad accused Sofienlund of failing to provide written agreements or financial settlements during their five-year partnership. While investigations by the Norwegian Ski Federation and the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee concluded without legal action, Konnerud IL issued a written warning to Sofienlund following a review by the law firm Svensson Nøkleby.

Following the disciplinary action, Sofienlund has stepped down from his coaching role for Team Konnerud to transition into an administrative position within the club. The club noted that Sofienlund had been on medical leave due to the impact of the situation on his health. 

In the wake of the professional split, Skistad recently withdrew from a national team training camp in Lillehammer to focus on her well-being. Former skiing champion and current national team coach Marit Bjørgen has expressed support for Skistad, noting that she and her teammates are offering assistance to help the athlete navigate this transition as she prepares for the World Championships in Falun.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-05: Kristine Stavås Skistad receives support after coaching split

National team coach Marit Bjørgen is supporting skier Kristine Stavås Skistad following her split from long-time coach Lage Sofienlund and her move to Mjøndalen IF Ski.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kristine-stavs-skistad-receives-support-after-coaching-split

### 2026-09-25: Lage Sofienlund resigns as Team Konnerud coach

Lage Sofienlund has resigned as coach of Team Konnerud to move into an administrative role following a conflict with cross-country star Kristine Stavås Skistad.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lage-sofienlund-resigns-as-team-konnerud-coach

### 2026-09-21: Kristine Stavås Skistad leaves Konnerud IL following coach allegations

Norwegian skier Kristine Stavås Skistad is leaving Konnerud IL for Mjøndalen following allegations of power abuse against her former coach, Lage Sofienlund.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kristine-stavs-skistad-leaves-konnerud-il-following-coach-allegations

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Cite as: Kristine Stavås Skistad and Konnerud IL coach dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kristine-stavs-skistad-and-konnerud-il-coach-dispute