Honest about the Tough Struggle: – Extremely Brutal

Honest about the Tough Struggle: – Extremely Brutal
By Kristian Hennie and Susanne Jørstad Wergeland
Updated 02/12/2024

A lot is at stake for many of the Norwegian biathletes in the coming weeks. Strømsheim reflects on the pressure and excitement leading up to the World Cup season opener in Kontiolahti, Finland. "It's fun to get started, though I feel a bit nervous. Everyone is eager to perform well and relieve some of the pressure," he said after training.

The stakes are incredibly high as these athletes vie for positions in a competitive field, with the upcoming races in Finland being crucial. Following the opening weekend, the World Cup circuit heads to Hochfilzen, Austria. After that, the number of competitors allowed at future events narrows, increasing the intensity of each athlete's performance.

Strømsheim acknowledged the ongoing pressure, especially for athletes ranked close to the top spots. "Everyone feels the weight of this pressure. It's something I have been used to for years, but it never gets easier," he remarked. Meanwhile, teammate Johannes Dale-Skjevdal echoed this sentiment, stressing that adapting to this competitive environment is essential for success in these high-stakes races.

Both athletes are optimistic about their preparations and ready to face the challenges ahead as they strive for success in one of the most demanding sports, especially in light of the recent national competitions that showcased their readiness. As they gear up for individual events this coming week, the focus remains on refining their performances and securing their places for the upcoming challenges.

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