Organizer comments on death threats against Max Novak

Originally published in SVT Sport on March 19, 2023

Max Novak Nordic skiing death threats David Nilsson Ski Classics

Max Novak, a Swedish Ski Classics athlete, received death threats earlier this week on social media.

Ski Classics competition manager David Nilsson has now commented on the security situation and expressed support for Novak. "I hope this ends soon," said competition manager David Nilsson.

After Novak was involved in a notable clash during a recent race, he faced death threats on social media. He previously told SVT Sport that he reported the threats to the police. The threat specifically stated that he would be shot if he did not finish in the top three in the upcoming race.

"Most likely, it’s just a troll online, but I was still advised to make a report. So that has been done, and I assume the police are looking into it," Novak told SVT Sport.

David Nilsson, the head of Ski Classics, spoke about the contact with Novak and the security situation at the event.

"No, we haven’t talked to him about it, but of course, it’s very sad. It’s always sad when such things happen, regardless of the sport. We feel for Max," said Nilsson to SVT Sport.

Nilsson does not recall any threats of this severity occurring before.

"No, not that I can remember. We’ve been around for 15 years and have had many active athletes. There are many people in the spotlight, and unfortunately, these things happen in society today, so it may have happened before. I hope it ends here," said Nilsson.

Regarding safety measures for upcoming competitions, Nilsson is somewhat tight-lipped.

"If we do something, we won’t announce it, so I can’t comment on that," he states.

"Do you have any security at the finish line?"

"It varies by event, but of course, we have security personnel present as well as medical staff to ensure safety."

"But do you take this seriously?"

"Absolutely, but this is a matter for the police and not a sporting matter," concludes the event manager.

The next Ski Classics event is Marcialonga in Bodø, Norway. The broadcast starts at 10:15 on Saturday on SVT1/SVT Play.

Facts: Overall standings in Ski Classics

  1. Amund Hoel - 2513 points
  2. Johan Tjelle - 2397 points
  3. Ole Jörgen Bruvoll - 2365 points
  4. Andreas Nygaard - 2286 points
  5. Emil Persson - 2265 points
  6. Max Novak - 2252 points

Three qualifying competitions remain.