Big concerns about Eivind Sporaland: The Norwegian biathlon talent has been missing for days.
The 22-year-old disappeared from his home in Lillehammer on Sunday morning. Since then, a large search operation by the police has been underway – so far without success.
Numerous biathletes from the region also took part in the search for Sporaland. “On Tuesday and Wednesday we took part in the search operation and then looked at how civil protection, police and the Red Cross are working in this case,” said Aasmund Steien, junior coach of the Norwegian biathlon team, to “NRK” and added: “I think it was very rewarding for the athletes to be involved in the search.”
In the meantime, however, the biathlon entourage has traveled to Alta, where the national junior championships will be held at the weekend. But the disappearance of Sporaland was also discussed in northern Norway.
“We had moving conversations. A lot of people came and felt the need to talk about things. That was great. We are very fortunate to have a strong environment,” said Anders Brun Hennum, who works as development manager at the biathlon federation.
Police believe Sporaland is alive
Biathlon President Arne Horten emphasized: “Both in Lillehammer and here we have people who can follow what’s happening, no matter what happens. And then we have full confidence that the police and search teams are doing the professional work and commitment to then solve the case and find the person in question.”
The police assume that Sporaland is still alive, just not being found or wanting to be found. “We’re looking at relevant areas where the person was last seen. We’re looking both off-road and in the urban area. We’re investigating garages and private yards where he may have taken refuge,” said Per Solberg of the police in Lillehammer.
Eivind Sporaland is considered a great biathlon talent in Norway. His biggest success to date has been the silver medal at the 2021 National Junior Championships.