by At this week’s U23 European Championships in Bergen, Henriette Jæger will take on a challenge she once thought was out of reach — and got advice from Karsten Warholm before committing.
The 22-year-old from Aremark has opted to run the 200m, 400m, and the 4x400m relay — a demanding schedule that will likely see her race three times in one day.
“We were torn between the 400 and 200 because both are tempting,” Jæger told NRK. “In the end, we went for the double. It’s going to be really tough, but I’m excited and staying positive.”
Her mother and coach, Unn Merete Lie Jæger, admits they initially ruled out the double: “We had decided it wasn’t really possible, but now we’re taking a chance.”
Asked what changed, Henriette said, “Good question. I never thought it was doable, but this is what I train for. We’ll give it a shot. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work — at least we tried.”
Saturday will be especially intense, with the 200m semis in the morning, the 400m final at 6 PM, and the 200m final at 9 PM.
“It’s definitely not designed to allow a double — not ideal — but we’re doing it anyway,” said her coach. “It’ll be a valuable experience no matter what.”
Jæger Called Warholm Before Taking on Bold U23 Double
When Henriette Jæger made the bold decision to compete in multiple events at the U23 European Championships, she turned to someone who knew the challenge firsthand: Olympic champion Karsten Warholm.
The 22-year-old learned that Warholm had once juggled both the 400m flat and hurdles during a European Championship. “We spoke on FaceTime, and he shared his experience,” Jæger told NRK. “He had a schedule like mine. Hearing from someone like him that it’s possible really helped.”
Warholm’s advice? “Do what feels right,” he said. “She’s at a high level, well trained, and absolutely capable—even if the schedule isn’t ideal.”
Jæger will compete in the 200m, 400m, and 4x400m relay. If she qualifies for all finals, she’ll race three times in one day—an intense logistical challenge. “There might need to be a car ready to take me straight to the hotel,” she joked.
NRK’s athletics expert Vebjørn Rodal applauded the decision. “It’s aggressive in the best way,” said the former Olympic 800m champion. “Adding the 200m is smart. She needs that speed to reach the top level in the 400.”
