Biathlon Star's Frustration: 'I Could Have Said a Lot About Him'

Biathlon Star's Conflict with Norwegian Federation

The competition within the Norwegian men's biathlon team is fierce. One of those feeling the pinch is Vetle Sjastad Christiansen, who was again sidelined for the World Cup in Pokljuka, sparking his frustration.

Vetle Sjastad Christiansen, who impressed last weekend with a victory and two additional podium places in the IBU Cup, is deeply upset. Despite his strong showings, the 32-year-old was not nominated for the coming Biathlon World Cup in Pokljuka, especially concerning as the Norwegian federation sent eight athletes to Slovenia.

"I do not understand at all why I am not being taken to Pokljuka. I am completely frustrated. If it were possible, I would have switched my employer," Christiansen frankly stated in an interview with NRK, accusing the federation of not adhering to the established selection criteria effectively.

Coaches Counter Christiansen's Frustration

Instead of Christiansen, fellow athletes Johannes Dale-Skjevdal and debutant Isak Frey were chosen for the team, a choice that does not sit well with the seasoned biathlete. "The federation is very concerned about mental health, and then they treat athletes like this," said Christiansen, who was fifth overall in the last season's World Cup but is now fluctuating between the World Cup and the IBU Cup this winter.

"Nominations happen based on two criteria - international results and current form. Neither of these were considered. This clearly affects an athlete's psyche," Christiansen explained further. Notably, the frustration has driven him to skip the season finale in the IBU Cup. "I couldn't handle it. I couldn't stay for the IBU Cup in Otepää and pretend everything was fine."

His coaches partly understand Christiansen's anger, but they stress that he has perhaps overstepped boundaries. "Everyone who wants to compete and isn’t selected is disappointed. But I think he should be more cautious when mentioning mental health," responded national coach Per Arne Botnan. Shooting coach Siegfried Mazet, confronted with Christiansen's comments, reacted similarly.

Mixed Relations between Coaches and Athletes

"It’s unfortunate, I could have said a lot about Vetle, but I won’t; that stays between us," Mazet said. "There are only six spots, and Isak has had an outstanding season. Vetle may have been a bit better than Dale-Skjevdal, but considering the entire season, I think Isak and Johannes were slightly ahead."

Mazet further clarified that "sometimes we don’t see eye to eye, since Vetle can articulate his thoughts very well. But I’m not worried; we will get through this." For now, however, tension prevails between Christiansen and his coaching staff.