Did you know Østfold counted a world champion among its ranks? His name is Ola Vigen Hattestad, the Norwegian cross-country skier who was earlier this year crowned sprint world champion in Liberec, Czech Republic. Born in Askim on 19 April 1982, he grew up in Ørje in Indre Østfold, on the border with Sweden. Hattestad won two gold medals at the 2009 world championships, one in the individual event, when he took the title ahead of fellow Norwegian Johan Kjølstad, and another one the following day when the two of them joined forces for the team event. Hattestad last month was awarded the Østfold Prize (Østfoldprisen) 2009 in recognition for his impressive performance on the international sport scene, and his role as an ambassador for the county.

A few more facts about Ola: Height: 1.88m; Weight: 83kg; Club: Ørje IL; Lives with his partner in Røyslimoen, Lillehammer; Graduated with a bachelor in economy and administration from Lillehammer University College (HiL); Football used to be his favourite sport; Skis and boots: Fisher.

More info on Ola Vigen Hattestad at www.olahattestad.com (Norwegian only)