The Norwegian men’s relay team was the clear favorite for gold. But one of the team’s stars lost his nerve – and then had to listen to harsh criticism.
Even before the Biathlon World Championships in Nove Mesto, the Norwegian men’s relay team was considered the clear favorite for gold. Erik Lesser said to t-online: “For the men, gold will be gone through Norway, they are too strong for that.” On Saturday afternoon everything looked that way. Sturla Holm Laegreid had one penalty, but the Bö brothers Tarjei and Johannes Thingnes delivered. Then final runner Vetle Sjastad Christiansen took to the track.
Before the last shooting, the 31-year-old had a lead of one minute and two seconds over his competitor Sweden. In the world of biathlon, what feels like an eternity. But Christiansen’s nerves gave out. He had to complete three penalty laps – and let Sweden pass, who surprisingly secured the gold medal. There was no joy in the Norwegian team, but rather frustration.
“You couldn’t find a clearer scapegoat”
The final runner himself told the Norwegian public TV broadcaster NRK: “Anything can happen in the last shooting. Unfortunately, I had to set a bad example today. I’m very disappointed about that. That must have been the worst series of all time.” And Christiansen added: “You couldn’t find a clearer scapegoat. It was incredibly disappointing.”
Also for his relay colleagues, who were stunned afterwards. Dominator Johannes Thingnes Bö, who was not allowed to celebrate his 20th World Cup gold medal but had to accept silver, said: “Anything can happen in this sport, but that’s terrible when we’re so far ahead.” His brother Tarjei agreed: “We are of course disappointed, only gold was good enough.”
“Most shameful medal ceremony”
The Norwegian press also spoke of a “hellish drama.” The fact that Sweden won gold seemed like a humiliation for the Norwegians. Christiansen told “VG”: “It’s the most shameful medal ceremony I’ve ever taken part in. Silver is basically good, but it has an extreme aftertaste, I have to admit that.” On Instagram he spoke of a “nightmare”. However, he also insisted: “I screwed up, that’s how life works.”
Conversely, the Swedes couldn’t believe the triumph against Norway, which is something special for them, as Martin Ponsiluoma confirmed at NRK: “You can’t lie and say otherwise.”
Even Björndalen is stunned
Even the former Norwegian biathlete and dominator Ole Einar Björndalen said as a commentator: “This is the wildest thing I have ever experienced.” And that has to mean something. The 50-year-old won eight Olympic gold medals during his playing days and is a 20-time world champion.
He is still the most successful biathlete of all time at world championships and the Olympic Games.