Kjartan Haugen has finally realized his dream for ten years - to run a marathon. He can thank NAV for that.
Kjartan got cancer in his leg in 1993 and had to amputate. Before the amputation, he was a healthy and fast cross-country skier who had started his career. He underwent surgery and rehabilitation. Now followed career number two. The disease had ironically given him a new lease of life. - The changed perspective in life. Sports became the most important thing, says Kjartan. He started training again and started betting again. A new and different sports career took shape. He took five medals from the Paralympic Winter Games, two of which are gold. One gold in 5 km and one in 20 km cross-country skiing.
What has stopped Kjartan from running marathons is that he must have a special prosthesis that costs a lot. Previously, NAV operated with the "26-year rule" which states that disabled people over the age of 26 must pay for equipment to play sports. - Old people like me did not get support before, Kjartan says with a smile. Now the rule has been repealed. Kjartan applied for support and has got what he likes to call a "blade-runner" prosthesis.
Now it is possible for Kjartan to start. - The prosthesis has opened a new world. I have had to train a lot and I'm not sure I will be able to finish. But now it is at least possible, he says excitedly. - Why the Oslo Marathon? - They have been active in promoting sports for the disabled. They have an open class and this is an event I would like to support! Kjartan wants to lead by example to show that it is possible to run a marathon with a prosthesis. His goal is to reach the finish line and to do it in less than 5 hours. In that case, he will be the first in Norway to do so.
Kjartan is a sports politician and a member of the sports board of the Norwegian Sports Confederation. His heart's desire is to make things better for Paralympic athletes. - Paralympic athletes must be valued in society and sports. It ran for 19 September.
After four hours and 3 minutes he was at the finish line. - This proves that it is possible and I hope more will try next year! Says Kjartan enthusiastically. He thinks he is the first in Norway to have done this.
Written by: Julie Brundtland
