Norway's all-conquering Winter Olympians have a message for us all and it's not what you think | Cath Bishop

"Norway has a national youth sports strategy based on the vision of Joy of Sport for All. There isn't one herein the UK. There is a national sports strategy with the strapline Get Active, which feels more of a reprimand than an inspiring vision. While it's true that sport and physical activity are mentioned in the new National Youth Strategy, it's so buried within the generic text that I couldn't find or feel the joy of sport coming through at all."

"Reports have highlighted that there is no competitive sport in Norway for youngsters before the age of 12. Now think of all of Britain's early talent-identification schemes, endless mini-leagues and ubiquitous pathways. Consider all those extra practices to secure the next trophy, anxous discussions about rankings, disappointment over selection decisions and the devastating losses on a weekend that should just be another ordinary yet fun day in a child's life."

Norway achieves exceptional Winter Olympics success with a population of 5.6 million, winning 18 gold medals at Milano Cortina and 41 total medals. The foundation of this success lies in a fundamentally different approach to youth sports compared to systems like Britain's. Norway implements no competitive sport for children before age 12, instead focusing on a national youth sports strategy centered on "Joy of Sport for All." This contrasts sharply with the UK's early talent-identification schemes, mini-leagues, and competitive pathways that create pressure, anxiety, and disappointment for young athletes. Norway's system emphasizes support, encouragement, and spreading joy through sport, requiring fewer volunteers for selection and scoring. The UK lacks an equivalent inspiring national youth sports vision, with its "Get Active" strategy feeling more like a reprimand than inspiration.

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