Ellen Knutsen 'Nutz'
Birthdate: 14/02/1975
Country of origin: Norway
Main sport: Adaptive Longboarding/Downhill Racing
Relationship status: I'm single and ready to mingle
How many years have you been going to Veko?
- Started 2015, so my tenth year this year
What is your best Veko moment?
*My first run with my wheelchair in open road in Skjervet 2019, and I didn't think I would make the first chicane. I went all the way down and the stoke was real. Would not be possible without the support from my longboard and luge friends.
*First official adaptive downhill race in 2022, where Finland, America and Norway was represented.
*And in 2024 I had to cry a little when we had a full elevated audience podium, wheels, crutches and all. The festival tent was on fire!!!!
What is your favourite part about Veko besides the sport you do?
- The community and the fact that I feel normal. Because there is always someone crazier than me.
Why did you end up doing your sport?
- I was bored just watching and I pretty much wanted to do all the sports. But I was skating when it was illegal, and we smuggled boards from Sweden. So was itching to try out longboarding. Odd Steinar tok me on his luge down Skjervet, and I was hooked. Then we joked about taking my wheelchair down the hill. Well, it's no joke anymore!!!
Anything else people should know?
- I'm an artist and I make murals, but also art you can buy. Fun fact: I've done a piece on the school next to the festival tent (if it's still there)