Meaning
“Som å hoppe etter Wirkola” literally means “like jumping after Wirkola.” This expression refers to the difficult situation of having to follow someone who has achieved an outstanding feat or performance. It is used to describe the pressure one feels when trying to produce similar results after a predecessor’s great success.
The English expression “A tough act to follow” carries the same meaning, emphasizing the difficulty of living up to someone else’s brilliant performance or achievements.
Origin
This expression originates from the legendary Norwegian ski jumper Birger Ruud Wirkola.
Wirkola, who was active in the 1960s, was an exceptional athlete who broke several world records. Skiers who had to jump after him on the same hill were expected to replicate his extraordinary performances, making it a daunting task.
Ski jumping requires both technical skill and intense focus, and following in the footsteps of a great athlete like Wirkola is no easy feat. For this reason, the phrase “jumping after Wirkola” became a metaphor for the challenge of following an outstanding predecessor in any field.
Usage
This expression is commonly used in business, sports, and daily life when someone is expected to follow a leader or performance that was exceptional. The greater the achievements of the previous leader, colleague, or predecessor, the harder it feels to accomplish anything of similar value, and this phrase captures that sense of pressure.
Conclusion
“Som å hoppe etter Wirkola” is a Norwegian proverb that expresses the difficulty of following in the footsteps of someone who has set a high standard. It is particularly used in sports or business when a predecessor’s excellence makes it challenging for the next person to match their success.
This expression highlights the pressure of succeeding after greatness, while also emphasizing the importance of approaching the next challenge with humility and realism.
