Grøvdal's journey in athletics began at the age of eight. By 14, she was increasingly focused on running. Initially, she also competed in cross-country skiing but decided to concentrate on running in 2010 due to her notable progress in the sport.

Club and Coaching

She represents IK Tjalve, a club based in Oslo. Since 2019, her personal coach has been Knut Jaeger Hansen. This change came after the 2019 World Championships in Doha, where she finished 13th in the 3000m steeplechase.

Challenges and Achievements

Grøvdal faced several challenges throughout her career. In April 2012, she injured her wrist during a training camp in Portugal. As a teenager, she struggled with eating disorders, which led to a one-year break from sports in late 2007.

Despite these setbacks, she has achieved significant milestones. In 2010, she received the Rising Star award from European Athletics. She became the first Norwegian athlete to win a medal at the European Cross-Country Championships by securing bronze in 2015. In 2019, she won silver at the same competition, becoming the first female Norwegian athlete to do so.

Personal Inspirations and Family

Grøvdal looks up to Norwegian long-distance runners Ingrid Kristiansen and Grete Waitz. Her cousin Havard Bjerkeli represented Norway in cross-country skiing at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Grøvdal aims to compete at the upcoming Olympic Games. She has shifted her focus to the 5000m and 10,000m events under Hansen's guidance. She believes this change will bring more enjoyment to her training and help her become a better runner.

"I feel what I needed was a little more enjoyment in training," Grøvdal said. "I lost that a bit with the steeplechase. I think I probably had a little too much focus on results, rather than becoming a better runner."

Grøvdal's journey is marked by resilience and determination. Her achievements reflect her dedication to the sport and her ability to overcome challenges.