Varmegenvindere

Varmegenvindere is a term used in Danish and Norwegian sports contexts to denote the winner of a single heat in a multi-heat competition. The word is formed from varme (heat) and vindere (winners), and may be written as one word or as two words depending on language standards. In English contexts, the concept is usually referred to as heat winners or winners of the heats.

In practice, varmegenvindere are identified at the end of each heat, and their results help determine advancement to subsequent rounds such as semifinals or finals. Qualification rules vary by sport: in some formats a heat winner automatically advances, while in others only the top finishers from each heat—or the fastest non-winners across heats—move on. The exact criteria depend on the event structure and governing rules.

Common sports where heat-style formats are used include track sprint events, swimming, cycling, speed skating, and various relay or endurance events. It is possible for a heat winner to secure progression even if their time in that heat is not the overall fastest, depending on whether the format emphasizes placement within heats or time-based qualification. Conversely, some events prioritize fastest times across all heats, with heat placers playing a secondary role.

Linguistically, varmegenvindere is most likely to appear in Danish or Norwegian rulebooks, race reports, and commentary. In English-language coverage, the term is typically translated as “heat winners.” See also: heats, qualification, advancement, elimination rounds.