Biathlon figurehead Johannes Thingnes Bö is concerned about the ongoing discussions among Norwegian cross-country skiers, where a dispute between the association and top star Johannes Klaebo recently escalated.
Biathlete Johannes Thingnes Bö joins the dispute between Norwegian cross-country skiers. “In my opinion it is a great weakness how they manage to bring this situation so clearly to the media,” criticized the overall World Cup winner on “TV2”.
The 30-year-old made it clear: “We also have our discussions in the biathlon association, but we keep them internal. We are not anywhere near this level there.” There is a “good support system” in biathlon and there is “a great dynamic” between coaches, athletes and the association.
The Norwegian Cross-Country Skiing Association must resolve this situation as quickly as possible. “This is something they have to clarify once and for all, regardless of whether Klaebo receives a signed contract or not,” said Bö clearly.
The biathlon star’s criticism quickly made the rounds in Norway. Arne Baumann from the ski association and cross-country skiing manager Espen Bjervig reacted immediately. “There have unfortunately been several negative cases in recent years in connection with cross-country skiing at the Norwegian Ski Association,” said Bjervig on “TV2”: “And I agree with Johannes Thingnes Bö that we can find better solutions to the differences of opinion internally and these cases don’t have to put it through the media.”
Bö about Klaebo: “Impossible to leave him out”
Baumann also agreed: “Johannes is right that the media writes a lot of stories about the ski association, some of them with a negative focus.”
Aside from that, Bö remains convinced that Klaebo should play a very important role in cross-country skiing. “It’s impossible to leave him out from the start.”
Klaebo, five-time Olympic champion and nine-time world champion, has not yet been able to reach an agreement with the Norwegian association on a new contract and will therefore compete outside of the national team in the future. The 26-year-old had also recently criticized the conditions in the association harshly.