Bad news from the Norwegian biathlon camp: A few days before the start of the season, a top performer, Ida Lien, injured her back. For the 28-year-old, the forced break is doubly bitter.
The Norwegian biathlon team has to cope with a high-profile failure. Four days before the start of the season in Geilo, Ida Lien confirmed to “TV2” that she had injured her back again and would be out for an indefinite period.
“Ida wanted [in Geilo] start, but the season opening comes a bit early. It’s a bad time, but health comes first,” national coach Patrick Oberegger told the Norwegian broadcaster.
Relay race in Östersund in danger?
For Lien, the setback is bitter for several reasons. On the one hand, the 28-year-old has been suffering from major back problems in recent years. Things hit them hard, especially in 2023. In the meantime, she even lost her place in the A squad due to her lack of fitness.
The timing of the injury is also extremely unfortunate. The races in Geilo on November 15th and 16th are the last tough test before the season opener in Östersund. Lien would have been firmly scheduled for the relay races in Sweden. It remains to be seen whether she will make it in time.
In addition: The 2021 relay world champion was in impressive form, especially at the end of last season. After a rather mixed year so far, Lien made a big impression, first with two eleventh places in Pokljuka and then with two fourth places at the season finale in Oslo. She also got through the summer without any major problems – until now.
In the overall World Cup last year, Lien was the third best Norwegian after Maren Kirkeeide and Karoline Offigstad Knotten. In the final results he took 24th place.