Schumacher Ninth in the World in World Championships 20k Skiathlon

Another unbelievably electric day unfolded at the 2025 FIS World Championships in Trondheim, Norway, the epicenter of cross country skiing, with an atmosphere that somehow surpassed even the intensity of the sprint races just two days ago. An estimated 25,000-30,000 fans lined the course, creating an unforgettable setting for the men’s 20k skiathlon—the second race of the championships. 

Gus Schumacher, who was on the podium in second place in Falun just last weekend, delivered another standout performance, finishing ninth and securing his first career top-10 result at a World Championships. This is Schumacher's third World Championships. 

“We are putting ourselves there, and eventually, things will click,” Schumacher said, reflecting on the potential for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team men’s squad to reach the podium in future races. And today, Schumacher certainly made things click. 

The atmosphere today was nothing short of incredible. And Schumacher even credited the rowdy Norwegian crowd for adding to the day’s intensity. “It was the first time up in the woods, and it was so loud – you couldn’t hear anything or feel my body! I am really proud of today. My classic skis were quite good, and I was in a good spot going into the skate. I skied in the pack, which made it a bit harder to move through, but I am proud of staying there and giving myself the opportunity.”

In the skiathlon format, athletes start off classic skiing, then mid-race, and switch to their skate skis. Time does not stop for the transition - it's part of the race. And today, it was as exciting as ever, as the transition zone was in the middle of three massive grandstands, with 20,000 fans chanting at the top of their lungs on all sides.

Schumacher skied a smart race. He stayed in the lead pack in the first three classic laps, right behind a sea of Norwegians, France, Italy and Great Britain. Bopping between the top 10 and top 20, he was never more than five seconds back, positioning himself for the skate leg - a preference for the young Alaskan. In less than 10 seconds, Schumacher was on his skate skis through the transition zone. With three more laps to go, the pace was quickening, tensions were getting higher and the athletes were starting to realize that the finish line was only 10k away.

As the saying goes, "it was anyone's game" on the last lap--his statement was true in this scenario. Into the final stretch, it was the Norwegians fighting for the podium. With only three medals on the line, it was a fight between Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, Harald Oestberg Amundsen, Jan Thomas Jenssen, and Martin Loewstroem Nyenget. With a lunge that left all three men tangled in a heap at the line, Klaebo took the gold - his first-ever distance World Championships globe medal, Nyenget silver, and Amundsen bronze. Klaebo, the hometown hero, is two-for-two in his World Championships campaign. 

Kevin Bolger was just outside the top 30, finishing 31st, while Zak Ketterson, in his first-ever World Championships, placed 41st, and Zanden McMullen finished 46th, also in his first-ever Championships start. 

“Today was pretty rough, but it’s my first World Championships race, so it’s a bit of a learning experience,” said McMullen. “It’s truly the next stage up from the World Cup stage! The biggest difference… well, the lights are a little brighter, I’d say!”

For Ketterson, racing in Trondheim carried extra significance. “I lived here last summer—my wife and I lived in Heimdal—so this felt a little bit like my home World Champs,” he said. “There were so many fans, and they were so loud and fun – I am really impressed.”

The action continues tomorrow as the women take to the same demanding 20k skiathlon course, with racing set to begin at 8 a.m. ET on skiandsnowboard.live.

Results
Men