Petter Northug Signs Iver Anton Kronstad to Team Burger King

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Cross-country skiing icon Petter Northug has expanded his unconventional Team Burger King roster with the addition of ultra-endurance athlete Iver Anton Kronstad, marking the latest move in Northug’s effort to blend elite performance with mainstream appeal.

The 26-year-old Kronstad, a social media powerhouse with over 180,000 followers across platforms, joins Northug’s squad following a direct invitation from the former Olympic champion. His inclusion comes after a high-profile showdown against Emil Gukild during last winter’s Birkebeinerrennet, where Kronstad’s competitive edge drew widespread attention.

Why This Matters

Northug’s team has increasingly blurred the lines between traditional athletics and influencer culture, with Kronstad’s signing reinforcing this strategy. The move positions Team Burger King as a platform for both established skiers and rising cross-discipline athletes—many of whom leverage social media to engage broader audiences.

“When you get a message from Petter asking if you’d want to join his project, it’s hard to say no,” Kronstad told VG in an exclusive interview. “The team has evolved from being seen as a novelty into something serious, and I’m excited to contribute to that.”

Kronstad’s Profile: Beyond the Ski Track

Kronstad’s athletic résumé extends far beyond cross-country skiing. In 2025, he finished fifth in the grueling Norseman triathlon, a race often dubbed “the world’s toughest.” He also secured victory in the Bislett24 ultramarathon, a 24-hour indoor endurance challenge held at Oslo’s Bislett Stadium.

His versatility—ranging from Hyrox obstacle races to the Norseman Extreme—mirrors Northug’s own philosophy of pushing athletes beyond conventional boundaries. “Iver is all about capacity and dedication,” Northug said in a statement to Nettavisen. “He’s someone who thrives on challenges, and that’s exactly the kind of mindset we want in this team.”

Team Dynamics: A Mix of Influencers and Tradition

Team Burger King now includes a diverse lineup: Kronstad’s social media reach complements Northug’s own status as Norway’s most decorated cross-country skier, while Emil Gukild—another former Birkebeiner rival—continues as a core member. The team’s structure reflects Northug’s belief in merging elite performance with modern athlete branding.

Kronstad’s arrival was announced during a press conference in Oslo, where he emphasized the team’s evolving reputation. “Initially, there was skepticism about whether this was just a gimmick,” he noted. “But now, it’s clear this is a serious project with real athletes.”

What’s Next for Team Burger King?

With Kronstad onboard, Team Burger King will likely focus on high-profile events like the Marcialonga and Vasaloppet, races where Northug has historically dominated. Kronstad’s participation in these classics could further elevate the team’s profile, blending endurance credibility with viral appeal.

The signing also underscores a broader trend in winter sports, where athletes increasingly leverage social media to expand their reach. For Kronstad, the opportunity to train alongside Norway’s skiing elite while maintaining his influencer status presents a unique dual career path.

Northug’s team continues to redefine what it means to be a competitive athlete in the digital age—one where influence and performance are no longer mutually exclusive.