Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen left home in rage: "I would have changed employers if possible"

Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen traveled home in rage after not being selected for the upcoming competitions in Pokljuka, Slovenia. He voiced strong concerns about the leadership within the Norwegian Biathlon Federation, stating his disappointment with the criteria used for selection. "For me, this is neglect of service. I think it’s really poorly done," he remarked, emphasizing that he could have performed better than some of the selected athletes.

Despite his capable performances including taking second place in IBU Cup events, Christiansen felt his contributions were overlooked. He mentioned that the decisions don’t align with the established criteria, which should consider both international results and demonstrated recent form. He expressed a sense of isolation, feeling unsupported by the coaching staff.

The federation's head coach acknowledged Christiansen's frustrations but stated that competition is intense and selection decisions are difficult, emphasizing that the choice to not include Vetle was based on overall performance and consistency over the season. The biathletes maturely accepted the competitive nature of their sport, albeit with nuances affecting their mental health.

This incident illustrates the mental stress athletes face when selection does not align with their expectations. Christiansen's experience is a reminder of the complexities underlying team selections in high-level sports.