At Urban Pioneers, we are always inspired by people who stay true to themselves. People who move with purpose, confidence, and authenticity in everything they do. This season, we are proud to introduce Embla Matilde Njerve as our first Pioneer of the Season.
Embla is known for her dedication and ambition as a pole vaulter, but beyond sport, she carries a strong sense of individuality that naturally aligns with the spirit of Urban Pioneers.
Embla is known for her dedication and ambition as a pole vaulter, but beyond sport, she carries a strong sense of individuality that naturally aligns with the spirit of Urban Pioneers.
Embla Matilde Njerve is a Norwegian pole vaulter from Bergen and one of Norway’s most exciting young talents in athletics. Born in 2007, she has already won medals internationally, claimed the Norwegian indoor championship gold in pole vault in 2024, and set Norwegian U18 and U20 records with a jump of 4.30 metres.
Athletics has always been a natural part of her life, with her father, Sigurd Njerve, also representing Norway as an Olympic athlete. After gaining international attention on social media in 2024, Embla is now focused on making a strong comeback in 2026.
In our conversation with her, she opened up about growing up in athletics, discovering pole vaulting at a young age, and how fashion became an important way for her to express herself outside of training.
“I’ve been involved in athletics since I was very little, after my father introduced the whole family to the sport,” Embla tells us. “I started pole vaulting when I was 10 years old, and from there it just developed naturally.”
Even from an early age, competition was something that came naturally to her.
“I’ve always been competitive,” she says with a smile.
But while elite sport is built around discipline, routines, and structure, Embla explains that fashion gives her something completely different: freedom.
“I learned how to express myself through fashion and clothing,” she says. “Fashion gives me a sense of freedom and self-expression outside of my training routine, which can be very disciplined. It’s nice to have a space where I can truly express myself and feel free through fashion.”
What stood out most during our conversation with Embla was her genuine desire to inspire others to feel comfortable being themselves. For her, being a pioneer is about encouraging people to embrace who they are, without fear of judgment.
“I embody being a pioneer by being a role model and inspiring others,” she says. “I want people to be themselves and express who they are, both in what they do and in what they wear.”
That mindset is exactly why Embla felt like such a natural choice for this season’s feature. She represents a generation that values both ambition and authenticity. Someone who works hard, stays grounded, and is not afraid to express herself both on and off the track.
At Urban Pioneers, we believe style is deeply personal. It is not only about what you wear, but about how you carry yourself, how you inspire others, and how you stay true to your own identity. Embla Matilde Njerve embodies all of that naturally.
We are proud to welcome Embla as our Pioneer of the Season.
Video by Kristoffer Alvarado
