"10 sports – one team." This was the headline when Summit 2024 was launched at Olympiatoppen in the fall of 2022, aiming for remarkable athletic performances at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The goal was to establish more secure financial conditions for national teams known for delivering high-level international results at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but who often struggle to attract sponsors. Additionally, Summit 2024 aimed to promote diversity and increase the participation and success of women in the Olympics and Paralympics.
"Two years after the launch, we at Olympiatoppen can confidently say it has been a success. In addition to receiving significant multi-million support from the Sparebankstiftelsen DNB, we have also gained the support of KONSGBERG, DNV (Det Norske Veritas), and Norsk Tipping. These funds have been distributed to the various sports federations, enabling them to strengthen their national team environments through more training camps, additional coaching staff, better equipment, and overall improved financial stability," says Director of Olympiatoppen Tore Øvrebø.
“We cannot deny that we want this investment to be reflected in the medal tally. Norway has established itself as a strong sporting nation in the past two Summer Olympics and Paralympics. Many of these achievements come from Summit-sports. What’s especially gratifying is the encouraging development in the number of qualified female athletes. Almost half of the Olympic squad consisted of women, and we had 12 women in a team of 18 athletes at the Paralympics. Summit 2024 has played a decisive role for the 10 Summit-sports,” says Øvrebø.
Results after Paris 2024
Ahead of the Olympics and Paralympics in Paris, Olympiatoppen set a goal of winning eight medals in the Olympics and six in the Paralympics. Out of a total of 15 medals across both events, seven came from Summit-sports.
In the Olympics, the standout performances in Summit-sports were the two bronze medals won by wrestler Grace Bullen and sailor Line Flem Høst. In shooting, narrow margins once again determined the outcomes, preventing one of the world’s best shooting teams from securing a medal. Jeanette Hegg Duestad returned home with 4th, 5th, and 8th place finishes, while Jon-Hermann Hegg earned two 5th place finishes.
In sailing, Helene Næss and Marie Rønningen finished 4th in the 49FX class—likely a result of their disqualification in an early race during the championship. Bronze medalist from Tokyo, Hermann Tomasgaard, secured a strong 5th place.
In rowing, several solid performances were noted: 5th place for Thea Helseth and Inger Kavli, 6th place for Lars Benske and Ask Tjøm, and 8th place for the team of Brun, Helvig, Solbakken, and Juel. The women’s canoeing team, who qualified a K4 boat for the first time since 1992, achieved an impressive 7th place in their Olympic debut.
Five Medals in the Paralympics
The Norwegian para table tennis team once again demonstrated that they are among the world’s elite at the Paralympics. Tommy Urhaug repeated his 2012 achievement by taking gold, Aida Dahlen won silver, and Aida along with Merethe Tveiten secured bronze in the team event. Fredrik Solberg swam to a bronze in the 50-meter freestyle, and Birgit Skarstein claimed silver in rowing.
The Olympics and Paralympics, as well as Summit 2024, are now being evaluated as Olympiatoppen prepares to launch Summit 2028 in Los Angeles in four years.
“We are really looking forward to the continuation and are working hard to attract new sponsors and contributors to Summit. If any potential companies are interested in joining, don’t hesitate to knock on our door. It is always open at Olympiatoppen,” concludes Øvrebø, who remains optimistic about the future.
About Summit 2028: One team. Ten sports. 130 performers
Summit 2028 connects athletes with partners to help fund the road to Los Angeles 2028. The project is a national effort between businesses, the public, and athletes. The donations fund equipment, coaches, and training camps in pursuit of marginal gains. The goal is a national boost towards success at the 2028 Summer Olympics. Summit 2028 is a continuation of Summit 2024.
KONGSBERG has a close technology collaboration with Olympiatoppen. For the past years, KONGSBERG has been a partner in Summit 2024, and earlier this year, the collaboration was extended for an additional four years, making KONGSBERG a partner in Summit 2028.
Within the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF), Olympiatoppen is tasked with the development of Norwegian elite sports and athletes. This is done through the national team model, where different associations are responsible for their own elite athletes, while Olympiatoppen has the overall responsibility for developing results within Norwegian elite sports. Olympiatoppen is responsible for executing Norway’s participation in the Olympic and Paralympic games.
You can find the original article in norwegian here: Jakten på marginene fortsetter mot Los Angeles 2028 (summit2024.no)
KONGSBERG aims for Olympic gold in 2024 and 2028
KONGSBERG and Olympiatoppen join forces to win gold at the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Los Angeles. KONGSBERG has been a partner of SUMMIT 2024 for two years, and now extends its partnership for a new four-year period.