Biathlon legend Björndalen confirms his departure as national coach - "There is no longer a team"
Created: 01/16/2023, 15:45
By: Nicholas Kirk
Biathlon legend Björndalen © Picture Alliance/Vidar Ruud
Ole Einar Björndalen accompanies the Biathlon World Cup as an expert on Norwegian TV.
His engagement as national coach of China came to an abrupt end.
Ruhpolding – Eight Olympic victories, 20 world championship titles and 94 individual victories in the World Cup.
These impressive statistics make it easy for fans of winter sports to identify Ole Einem Björndalen.
This success, coupled with the resulting expertise in his field, was certainly the reason why the Chinese Ski Association hired the services of "Mr.
Biathlon” wanted to secure as national coach.
The Winter Olympics in Beijing were also on the agenda.
But instead of showing what his development aid has brought to Chinese biathlon, Björndalen was busy during the World Cup station in Ruhrpolding discussing the events with the Norwegian audience on TV2.
During the broadcast, however, his departure from coaching was also discussed.
"A lot has happened lately," the 47-year-old is quoted as saying by the
Süddeutsche Zeitung
.
Biathlon idol Björndalen – Partly criticized for engagement in China in Norway
The reason for leaving as national coach seems logical at first, because the Chinese biathlon team was recalled after the games in Beijing.
"I would have liked to continue," says Björndalen, "but there is no longer a team".
However, communication with those responsible for the association sometimes turned out to be suspicious.
In March 2022, for example, Björndalen simply received no response to a performance report that he had written after the Olympic Games.
"I haven't had any news from the Chinese since this report was sent," which was followed by many months of uncertainty about his career.
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From his home country there was criticism of his work for the association of an authoritarian regime.
Primarily by representatives of Amnesty International Norway, regarding human rights violations against Uyghurs.
As head coach, he certainly addressed this topic and also thought about venturing to China before taking office.
Biathlon idol Björndalen on Norway's success: "People are very willing to take risks"
Björndalen can now look at the sporting dominance of his compatriots in the men's World Cup much more positively.
After five out of nine competitions, all rankings are led by Norwegian athletes or the Norwegian team.
Björndalen has the following explanation for this.
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"People in Norway are very willing to take risks," he says.
Many young athletes would take out student loans to put university on the back burner and devote themselves more to the sport.
This would be at the expense of the final grades, but "some come out as great athletes." (nki)
One of the guarantors of Norway's success is Vetle Sjastad Christiansen.
But off the track, he has to put up with the mockery of his teammates.