- I appreciate the trust people in Norway have in me, says Skari to Aftenposten journalist Stein Erik Kirkebøen.

However, she does not allow the expectations become a burden for her.

- My mobile phone doesn’t work over here, so nobody can contact me. As a result, I don’t notice much of the pressure, says Bente who realises that it is no coincidence that a lot of Norwegians expect a lot from her.

- I’ve won all the classical World Cup races this season, so it’s understandable. I guess people don’t put too much weight on the loss I suffered at the Norwegian Championships.

That said, Bente knows only too well that former achievements are of much help in Salt Lake City. What she does know, on the other hand, is that she is in just as good shape now as she was earlier in the season. Moreover, she has avoided illness, and nothing unexpected has happended to her.

Although confident in her own shape, Bente Skari is not sure what to expect from her opponents:

- Some of them are probably in better shape now, I guess. Especially Larissa Lazutina who had a week start to her season. She improves as the season is progressing, and I wonder how good she is right now, admits Bente Skari.

One thing that the great Norwegian classical specialist knows for sure is that she will not win a gold medal in the first Olympic cross-country event; the 15 km freestyle mass start. Reason: She is not participating.

- It’ll be a bit strange, but I did the same thing in Ramsau. I know I cannot win this distance and that it’s wise to save my energy for races where I may have a shot at the gold, says Bente to Aftenposten.

With the Olympics about a week away, Bente Skari appears to be very confident of herself. She has no problems accepting that she is a contender for an Olympic gold medal. What is more, Bente has even made a bet that she will succeed.

She doesn’t like to comment on how much she is earning, but admits that success at the Olympics will be profitable for her. Over the next two weeks Bente Skari will find out how lucrative the Olympic Games in Salt Lake are for her.