Next Turmoil at Ski World Championships: Scandal Revelation Regarding Race Director

New Scandal Revelation at World Championships

Race director Lasse Ottesen is accused of making inappropriate comments during the Ski World Championships. A Norwegian combined athlete has called for his resignation, stating that Ottesen stated, "I would love to kill the entire Norwegian team." Ottesen claims his comments were misrepresented and that he would never wish harm on anyone.

Ottesen is responsible for the Nordic combined events and faced scrutiny during the championships related to the disqualification of his compatriot Jörgen Graabak over a non-compliant binding after the team competition.

The incident adds to the ongoing turbulence surrounding the championship, including the recent suit regarding the Norwegian ski jumpers' suits. The German skiing community remembers Ottesen's past involvement in a scandal that affected Jens Weißflog's chances during a 1994 competition.

In response to the allegations, Ottesen maintains that his statements were taken out of context, insisting he merely reflected on how the media would react if the information he possessed became public.

Despite Ottesen's defense, Norwegian athletes have called for his dismissal, emphasizing the seriousness of his remarks and their inappropriateness given his position.

Angry Reactions from Norwegian Athletes

Athletes express their shock at Ottesen's comments. Espen Bjørnstad stated, "I think it’s time for Lasse to find a new job soon," while Simen Tiller described it as shocking that someone in his position could say such a thing.

Following the outrage, leading media representatives, including Hanne Waaler Lier from Aftenposten, stood by their coverage, rebutting Ottesen's claims of misrepresentation with quotes and statements from their article. The FIS has yet to comment on the situation.