A Norwegian biathlete has announced his immediate end to his career after his expulsion and criticized his federation in the aftermath.
Oslo - A few weeks ago, the course was set for the upcoming biathlon season and Aleksander Fjeld Andersen experienced his blue miracle because he was thrown out of the team by the Norwegian federation. In any other country, the 26-year-old would have secured his place on the World Cup team, but Norway is peppered with top athletes, so Andersen was thrown out the door.
| Aleksander Fjeld Andersen | |
|---|---|
| Born: | April 15, 1997 |
| Nationality: | Norway |
| Sport: | Biathlon |
Biathlon retirement: Norwegian athlete Aleksander Fjeld Andersen shocked
"I have to admit, this was a big 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 by his expulsion, told Norwegian TV station NRK.
"I've been told that I've barely developed in the last four years. Secondly, the federation wanted to make room for younger runners. I would have been good enough for almost any elite team in the world, so it hurts to be kicked out," continued the 26-year-old, who has a total of five top-10 finishes in the World Cup.
Aleksander Fjeld Andersen ends his career. © Harald Deubert via www.imago-images.de
After the initial shock of the disembarkation had been digested, Andersen now drew consequences and ended his career with immediate effect. "I've been in Norway's B squad for four years now. And in Alta we sat together and evaluated the season. Three days later, suddenly, without warning, I'm no longer there. You get fired without having done anything wrong. It's impossible to prepare for something like this," he told TV2.
Biathlon retirement: Aleksander Fjeld Andersen criticizes Norwegian federation
"I was the first to say it to the people close to me. It was funny and a few tears flowed. Suddenly, it has become real. On the other hand, it was also good to have made a decision. It was a difficult spring with a lot of emotions," Andersen continued.
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Norwegian team manager Per Arne Botnan also commented on TV2, explaining Andersen's expulsion: "I understand that he is disappointed. He has delivered results that are good enough and therefore expected it to continue. But there were some runners with good results and we don't have room for everyone. I was hoping that Aleks would have the motivation to fight his way back into the team." (smr
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