From MS diagnosis to World Championship bronze medal

Penguin Care in Practice

Karen joined Jotun in 2009 and came to Group Product Safety in 2011. The same year, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). In the beginning, working full time was ok, but it soon became necessary to scale down to a 50 per cent position.

‘I felt the first symptoms in 2007. I could go for a walk, and after a short while my right leg did not play along. Now that feeling is constantly there. However, I’m still able to do my job,’ says Karen, and continues: ‘Jotun has implemented some great adjustments for me. As an example, I get to park my car right by the entrance. If not, I would be exhausted even before the day begins.’

The 49-year-old R&D Senior Regulatory Specialist sends a big thanks to her manager, Jon Birger Aarnes.

‘He has given me tasks and responsibilities that suit me well. We’ve even had a team meeting at my house, so I feel very much included and as an important part of the group.’

Karen’s story is an example of Jotun’s ambitions regarding disability inclusion.

From MS Diagnosis to World Championship Bronze Medal

‘I had never played ice hockey before. I hadn’t even watched a game, and I thought to myself, do you really want me in the team?’

Karen Reite laughs while reflecting on the first-ever World Championship in women’s Para ice hockey. Players from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Norway and a world team (Team World) recently spent ten days in Slovakia. The Norwegians finished third.

‘It was completely surreal. Everything was so new to me – and it all happened so fast. The first contact from the national team management was a message on my Instagram (@norwegianspikegirl). Four weeks later, I did my first practice on ice. I was hooked straight away,’ says Karen, and continues:

‘Now we are aiming for the World Championship in 2026. However, the big goal is for women’s Para ice hockey to be approved as a separate Paralympic sport in 2030.’

Exercise as Medicine

Although ice hockey was something completely new, Karen is no stranger to physical activity. She’s into other seated sports, so-called spiking on wheels and skis. With her specially adapted sleds, she can move fast on gravel roads and cross-country tracks.

‘It is important to find what works for you, and for me, seated sports work well,’ says Karen.

Many people with MS are drained of energy and constantly feel exhausted. Exercise, on the other hand, gives strength in everyday life.

‘Previously, everyone with MS was told to take it easy. Today, we have more knowledge, and we know that physical activity is effective. I’ve spent a lot of time finding the right balance between training and rest, and now I’m in a good place,’ she says.

Winter Is Coming

Safety Documentation Manager, Jon Birger Aarnes, agrees.

‘We have come up with a solution that works well for both Karen and the department. She is open about her condition and good at planning ahead. Clearly defined tasks and effective communication both ways have been important,’ he says.

‘Karen has a lot of experience and a competence we need in our team, so we really had to make this work. One part of this is that others can complete Karen’s tasks if necessary, and she does not have to deliver on a day-to-day basis. That way, we avoid frustration and delays since Karen doesn’t work every day.’

In her role in Jotun, Karen’s key tasks include documenting antifouling and yachting products. She’s also making sure our product labels satisfy the biocide regulations.

Outside of working hours, she’s gradually transitioning into a new season.

‘Since I’ve become an ice hockey player, I have to say I’m looking forward to winter!’