Anita Moen

1. Overview

Anita Moen (sometimes credited as Anita Moen-Guidon), born on August 31, 1967, in Elverum, Norway, is a highly decorated former cross-country skier. Competing from 1987 to 2003, she established herself as a consistent performer on the international stage, particularly excelling in relay events. Moen's career is marked by her remarkable collection of nine medals from major championships: five from the Winter Olympics and four from the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. Her dedication and consistent podium finishes have cemented her legacy as an influential figure in Norwegian cross-country skiing.

2. Early Life and Career

Anita Moen's journey into the world of cross-country skiing began in her native Norway, where she developed her skills and passion for the sport from a young age.

3. Olympic Games Performance

Anita Moen participated in multiple Winter Olympic Games, where she achieved significant success, earning a total of five medals: three silver and two bronze.

Her Olympic medal haul includes:

• Silver in the 4 × 3.1 mile ^{(5 km)} relay at the 1994 Lillehammer Games.
• Silver in the 4 × 3.1 mile ^{(5 km)} relay at the 1998 Nagano Games.
• Bronze in the 9.3 mile ^{(15 km)} classical event at the 1998 Nagano Games.
• Silver in the 4 × 3.1 mile ^{(5 km)} relay at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.
• Bronze in the individual sprint event at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.

4. FIS Nordic World Ski Championships Performance

Moen also achieved considerable success at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, securing four medals: three silver and one bronze, all in the 4 × 3.1 mile ^{(5 km)} relay.

Her World Championship medals include:

• Bronze in the 4 × 3.1 mile ^{(5 km)} relay at the 1993 Falun Championships.
• Silver in the 4 × 3.1 mile ^{(5 km)} relay at the 1995 Thunder Bay Championships.
• Silver in the 4 × 3.1 mile ^{(5 km)} relay at the 2001 Lahti Championships.
• Silver in the 4 × 3.1 mile ^{(5 km)} relay at the 2003 Val di Fiemme Championships.

Her best individual finish at the World Championships was fifth in the 19 mile ^{(30 km)} event in 1997.

5. FIS Cross-Country World Cup Career

Anita Moen had a robust career in the FIS Cross-Country World Cup, achieving consistent top placements in both overall and discipline-specific standings, alongside numerous individual and team podium finishes.

6. Other Competition Achievements

Beyond the major international circuits, Anita Moen also achieved notable success in other significant skiing competitions. In 2001, she won the Tjejvasan, a prominent long-distance cross-country ski race in Sweden.

7. Personal Life

Anita Moen's personal life has seen changes over the years. She was married to Swiss cross-country skier Giachem Guidon, and was sometimes credited as Anita Moen-Guidon. In January 2009, she remarried, tying the knot with Helge Bonden. In 2006, Moen also appeared on the first season of `Skal vi danse?<sup>Norwegian</sup>`, the Norwegian version of `Dancing with the Stars<sup>English</sup>`, broadcast on TV 2.

8. Post-retirement Activities

After concluding her professional skiing career at the end of the 2002-2003 season, Anita Moen has remained actively involved in the sport. She now operates a ski academy, where she dedicates her time to teaching skiing, sharing her extensive knowledge and passion with aspiring skiers.

9. Legacy and Recognition

Anita Moen's career, spanning over 15 years, left a significant mark on cross-country skiing. Her consistent performance, particularly her nine medals from the Winter Olympics and FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, solidified her status as one of Norway's most successful female cross-country skiers. Through her dedication and numerous achievements, she inspired many within the athletic community and continues to contribute to the sport through her ski academy.