Visa and Paris 2024 logo ©

Meet Birgit

Skarstein’s athletic prowess spans two challenging sports. She has clinched 11 World Championship medals in her career, with seven in rowing and four in cross-country skiing, showcasing her versatility and high-level performance across disciplines. Her crowning achievement came at The Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, where she triumphed in the Women’s single sculls, bringing home gold for Norway. This accolade was an affirmation of her skill and dedication, marking a significant highlight in her career.

An experienced competitor, Skarstein has participated in The Paralympic Games five times, demonstrating her longevity and consistency in high- performance sport. Off the field, Skarstein is an enthusiast of politics, sports and mountain climbing, highlighting her wellrounded personality.

Adding to her long list of accomplishments, Skarstein set a new world best time in the first A-Final in the PR1 W1x, finishing with a time of 9:47.83. This achievement further solidified her standing as one of the world’s top para-athletes.

With her impressive athletic record and her diverse interests, Birgit Skarstein is a shining representation of the potential of para athletes.

Nelia Barbosa

Norway

Para-Rowing Pictogram

Para Rowing

Visa Trophy Icon

1 x Gold Medal

Birgit Skarstein

Celebrate the Olympic spirit with Visa

As official payment technology partner, Visa is proud to deliver innovative payment solutions to Paris 2024, as well as providing programmes that support Olympic and Paralympic athletes around the world.