In the past biathlon season, there was great dissatisfaction in the Norwegian team behind the scenes because many of the professionals have passed over and did not feel heard. They publicized their frustration over it. The national association has now announced a small revolution to make dealings fairer in the future.
In the Norwegian biathlon team of men, the house blessing regularly hung wrong last season. The reason was the nomination processes and criteria according to which the World Cup contingent was selected. Many of the well -known names felt abandoned and criticized the association for its procedure. An opaque selection process was complained that is not based on the sporting results.
Therefore, many conversations between the association and athletes have taken place in the past few weeks. The result: a small revolution. After years of holding on to the selection criteria, these are now changed.
Biathlon association changes selection criteria
“We will create new selection criteria and then ask the group what they think about it,” team manager Per-Arne Botnan told the TV station “NRK”. What is also discussed: whether the association gets external help in order to solve the profound problems. This has not yet existed, but the athletes were explicitly desired.
“We believe that we should be neutral and have someone who can look on both sides from the outside,” said Botnan.
Biathlon stars don’t quite see the problem yet
The athletes welcome this development, but also see the conflict fully resolved. “Good processes” were initiated, said Vebjørn Sørum in the “NRK” conversation: “And I think it is a good sign that we are not yet at the goal – we are working on it. Everyone wants the best and most predictable system.”
Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen meanwhile explained: “At the moment there is not much with which we can be dissatisfied. We said what we wanted to say and feel. But it is still a long way to get along until 100 percent.”