As of: February 14, 2024, 4:56 p.m
By: Alexander Kaindl
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Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen has already won two bronze medals at the Biathlon World Championships.
However, his successes are overshadowed by the death of his grandfather.
Nove Mesto – Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen couldn't contain his emotions as he stood on the podium.
The biathlete burst into tears as the Norwegian anthem sounded after winning the bronze medal in the Nove Mesto pursuit race on Sunday.
Sad death news repeats itself: biathlon star cries bitter bronze tears
There were moving scenes at the Biathlon World Championships that evening in the Czech Republic.
Gold medalist Johannes Thingnes Bö put his hand comfortingly on his teammate's shoulder.
The reason for Christiansen's tears: his grandfather died on Friday at the age of 97.
Christiansen commented on this to the
dpa
: “It was a rollercoaster of emotions this weekend.
He was old, but it’s very, very sad.”
First his grandmother, now his grandfather: Christiansen's grandparents die at the Biathlon World Championships
Hard to believe: Christiansen had already suffered a similar loss at last year's World Championships in Oberhof.
At that time, his grandmother died at the age of 93.
He didn't have the opportunity to say goodbye in 2023 either.
Now the biathlon star was once again hit with the sad news of the death of his grandparents at a World Cup.
The 31-year-old, who despite everything took third place in both the sprint and the pursuit, said: “That's why it was a little difficult to mobilize the strength for this weekend” and “two bronze medals are more than I expected would have".
Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen let his emotions run wild after winning the bronze medal.
© NTB / Imago
Christiansen tears in the live interview: “He couldn’t make it anymore”
He remembered that his grandfather Anton had watched the mixed relay race last Wednesday and wondered why his grandson wasn't running.
Christiansen told the Norwegian broadcaster
NRK
in a tear-choked voice: “My parents told him that he had to hold on until the weekend, then I would start.
But he couldn’t make it anymore.”
He believed that his grandfather had supported him from heaven and thought of him often.
Christiansen continued: “There were also a lot of positive emotions at the weekend.”
Teammate Bö comforts Christiansen and is impressed at the same time
His teammate Bö was impressed by Christiansen's ability to concentrate despite the sad news and offered him some words of comfort.
The 18-time world champion said: "I suspect his grandparents are sitting up in heaven enjoying biathlon and drinking a cup of coffee while cheering on their grandson."
During the Biathlon World Cup, the Norwegian made headlines for another reason: Christiansen had to come to terms with spartan accommodation.
(akl/dpa)
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