Aima Jensen cried and laughed her way through the world's largest cross-country race

The snowflakes fall silently over Sälen, while thousands of skiers take a deep breath and get ready. Here, at the starting line of the world's biggest and oldest cross-country ski race, is Greenlandic Aima Jensen.

90 kilometers stretch out before her – a route filled with history, tradition and natural beauty, where skiers have been moving from Sälen to Mora in Sweden since 1922. The Vasaløbet is more than a race; it is a centuries-old ritual, a trail in the snow where dreams, will and endurance meet.

The road to the track

Aima, who now lives in Norway, has an unconventional path to the Vasaløbet. She does not come from a classic elite environment with years of targeted cross-country skiing training. Instead, she builds on a life that has always been active and on the physical strength she has built up through years of hard work.

The last few years have been particularly demanding, and training often has to give way to work and other obligations. Yet she feels that her body has never been stronger. Aima's training for the historic cross-country race, which takes place every year on the first Sunday in March, does not start in earnest until January. The classes in the fitness center lay the foundation until Aima finally gets her cross-country skis from Greenland late in the month.

- On paper, it was both challenging and perhaps a bit unrealistic that I would carry out. But sometimes sheer stubbornness and determination can take you really far, says Aima Jensen.

The following weeks consist of short, intense trips, interrupted by days when work makes training almost impossible. The longest trip before the Vasaløbet only reaches 32 kilometers - a far cry from the 90 that awaits her.

With Greenland at her back

Aima Jensen carries Greenland with her every time she sets her skis on the trail. Her upbringing has shaped her approach to challenges.

- My background has meant a lot to my approach. I grew up with a strong mentality about making do with what you have and not giving up, even when things are tough, she explains.

Although cross-country skiing is a strong part of both Greenlandic and Norwegian identity, the sport is not something she grew up with.

– I come from South Greenland, where cross-country skiing is not practiced in the same way, says Aima Jensen.

It was only later in life that she discovered the sport, but the respect for it has always been there – both because of friends from Greenland and because cross-country skiing is so big in Norway. That respect becomes motivation.

– It really motivated me to compete in the Vasaløbet. In fact, it has been a dream since I first heard about the race over 10 years ago. Perhaps precisely because I don't come from a classic cross-country skiing background – that made the challenge even more attractive, she explains.

For Aima, it's not just about completing a prestigious race. It's about taking her culture, her will and her Greenlandic mentality out on the track – and showing what stubbornness and courage can lead to.

From start to finish

The cold bites and her pulse races when the starting gun sounds. Ahead of Aima Jensen are 90 kilometers of snow, climbs and hardship. She stands in the middle of the field, surrounded by thousands of runners – but the battle she has to go through will first and foremost be her own.

- The Vasaløbet is something I've heard about for a long time – a race with history and respect around it. For me, it's not about time or placement, but about proving to myself that I can stand here, she says.

Early in the race, she crashes and hits her left wrist. The pain sets in immediately and won't go away. The iconic cross-country race quickly develops into a brutal test of endurance.

- I fall several times along the way and break my left wrist quite early on. I am in real pain. The last 20–30 kilometers I actually cry sometimes from pure pain and exhaustion, Aima tells of the experience.

Kilometer by kilometer it becomes a battle against her body. But amidst the pain she also feels her strength. On the steep climbs, where many people walk herringbone, she holds on to her run and rhythm. On the descents she dares to let her skis slide and keep her speed, while others become cautious. Here she overtakes – even late in the race.

- There are places where I can really feel my strength. Even in the last 10–20 kilometers I still have the energy to run up the hills, and it gives a mental boost in the midst of all the hard work, she says.

At the same time, time is ticking. The seven cut-off times loom like a constant shadow. Several times she fears that she will not arrive in time. Each control she passes will be a relief – and a new beginning.

- It will really be an exercise in stubbornness. My comfort zone is far behind me, and in the end it will only be about one pole move at a time, says Aima Jensen.

After 12 hours and 9 minutes, she glides over the finish line in Mora. She is drained of energy, but filled with something else.

- I am completely finished, but also really grateful. It is a reminder of how much you can actually push yourself when you make up your mind, she says proudly.

Behind Bertil at 80 years old

Shortly after crossing the finish line, Aima is back in her usual, infectious mood. She laughs at herself, at the experience – and at the harsh realities of the Vasaløbet. On her Instagram she writes:

- Training for races makes you look like an elite athlete to your friends and family – then on raceday you finish 9373rd behind an 80-year-old named Bertil.

Roughly translated, she writes that family and friends think you are incredibly cool, but the reality is that you finish as number 9373 behind 80-year-old Bertil.

Behind the humor lies a strong message. Aima uses it to break the pressure to perform and inspire her over 3,500 followers to see what really makes sense in life.

- Humor is completely deliberate for me. I know I'm not an elite athlete at all. But I also know that if anyone is stubborn enough to complete it, it's me, she says and continues thoughtfully:

- For me, it's not about winning, but about showing up, making the effort and sticking with it when it gets tough. If my journey can remind just one person that you don't have to be perfect to compete, then that's more important than my time on the results list, Aima says with a smile.

Aima Jensen reminds us all that strength is not only found in speed and stamina requirements, but also in the courage to laugh at yourself – even after 90 kilometers on the trail. Her approach to sport and life is an inspiring reminder that will, determination and joy always outweigh medals and rankings.