The biathlete Aleksander Fjeld Andersen is surprisingly kicked out of the Norwegian team.
In addition to the end of a career, there is a change of sport in the room.
Oslo – Although the winter sports season is already over, there are tough decisions to be made in the coming weeks.
It's about the squad positions in the different nations.
A biathlon ace now feels this and is sorted out.
The Norwegian Aleksander Fjeld Andersen even fears for his career.
Aleksander Fjeld Andersen | |
|---|---|
Born: | April 15, 1997 (age 26), Nesodden, Norway |
Team: | Norway |
World Cup debut: | 2019 |
Best World Cup result: | rank 6 |
Norway removes biathlon star from squad
Aleksander Fjeld Andersen would probably be one of the top athletes in any other country.
But in Norway it is different.
The winter sports nation around the exceptional runner Johannes Thingnes Bø dominates the event at will.
Only the top 3 in the overall biathlon world cup are Norwegians.
The selection process and the competition for the squad positions are correspondingly tough.
Andersen has actually had a strong season, with four IBU Cup podiums and a sixth-place finish in the World Cup - but his best career result apparently wasn't good enough.
The 26-year-old will not receive a place in the Norwegian national team for the coming season.
A biathlon legend also suffered a severe blow of fate.
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Biathlon star after being kicked out: "I was shocked"
"I have to admit it was a huge shock for me and hard to digest.
I didn't see it coming.
After my sixth place in Östersund I felt pretty safe and I didn't think I would lose my place," Andersen, who was taken by surprise at his ejection, told
NRK
.
But how did this tough decision come about?
"I've been told I haven't progressed much in the past four years.
Secondly, the association wanted to make room for younger runners," the Oslo native explained to the Norwegian TV station and draws a bitter conclusion: "I would have been good enough for almost every elite team in the world, so it hurts to be kicked out." Last hit a biathlon scandal involving ex-president Wellen.
Biathlon star (26) thrown out of the team: change of sport or study possible after the end of your career
"I understand that he was surprised by the results he delivered, but there is a tough fight for places," said Per Arne Botnan, the Norwegian biathletes' sports manager, explaining Andersen's ejection.
How it will continue with him is not yet certain.
At 26, Andersen is actually still too young to retire, but only recently did a talent of the same age in the motherland of biathlon announce his retirement.
Switching to cross-country skiing would also be an option.
If things don't go any further, Andersen has at least set the course for the future: "I recently started a bachelor's degree in real estate brokerage."
(ck)
