Biathlon World Championships: Preuß Coup Has Bizarre Consequences for the National Coach

Franziska Preuß clinched the pursuit race at the Biathlon World Championships in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, with a 39-second lead over Sweden’s Elvira Öberg and a 40-second cushion ahead of France’s sprint world champion Justine-Braisaz Bouchet. In an emotional moment at the finish line, Preuß flashed a broad grin, forming a pair of scissors with her fingers, and hugged national coach Sverre Olsbu Roiseland, signaling a lighthearted but notable consequence of her win.

Coach Roiseland, the 34‐year‐old Norwegian who has been serving as the discipline coach for the German biathletes since 2022, recounted with a laugh, “I may have jokingly said during yesterday’s meeting that I would cut my hair off if she won. It looks like that promise is coming true – maybe tonight or even tomorrow.” His remark, linked to his already short hairstyle, now promises a fresh new look.

Preuß’s outstanding performance had earlier earned her a silver in the sprint and contributed to a bronze in the mixed relay at the start of the championships, marking her as one of the standout competitors of what has been an exceptional winter season. Notably, Roiseland is a familiar face in the world cup circuit and has long been associated with the sport – he is also married to former Norwegian biathlete Marte Olsbu Roiseland.

The article highlights both the sporting achievement and the quirky, human side of international competition, where a playful promise has set the stage for a change in appearance as memorable as the victory itself.