Einar Hedegart has been mixing the Norwegian cross-country and biathlon scene for several years. Just a few days ago, he celebrated a second place in the cross-country world cup. On Saturday he voted in Norwegian biathlon champion in the mass start. He then announced that from now on he will only run on his back with rifle.
Einar Hedegart is literally a multi -talent. Only two weeks ago he made headlines at the cross-country world cup in Oslo when he sensationally took second place in the 10km race and landed in front of Norway’s exceptionist Johannes Klæbo. Something that even succeeds very, very rarely even the best cross -country skiers in the world.
Since Saturday, the 23-year-old has also been able to call himself Norwegian biathlon champions. After a famous performance in the mass start of Stiklestad, he won the race after a dramatic finish ahead of Johan-Olav Botn and Isak Frey. Although he shot a penalty round than the strong botn, after an explosive sprint he finished 1.1 seconds ahead of the established biathlete.
Cross-country skiing career finished: “I will be a biathlete from now on”
After the race, Hedegart declared his “double career” ended. From now on, according to the youngster, he will fully devote himself to biathlon sports. “From now on I will be a biathlete. […] This morning I realized that I don’t have the motivation if I should only be a cross -country skier. I also have to shoot a bit, “he announced his farewell from the cross-country warehouse.
He is aware that his final change will not go without problems. “I will probably not be a stable shooter tomorrow or next month, but I will give everything to become one by November. I hope everything will come together,” said the Norwegian.
“It is terrible that a cross -country skier beats us”
Incidentally, the really large biathlon stage is not a new territory for Hedegart. Already in 2022/23 he was allowed to run in the season finale in Oslo with the very big ones. And there he also made headlines when he ran to the 28th place in the sprint. The debut was amazed, among others, Johannes Thingnes Bø and Ole Einar Bjørndalen.
Now it is clear that the full -time cross -country skier becomes a biathlete. One who has more than just quick legs. “It is absolutely terrible that a cross -country skier comes here and strikes us in the biathlon. I have to say that I don’t like that at all,” said Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen after Hedegart’s victory with a smile. Knowing that it couldn’t have been the last time.