Kristoffersen had to be calmed down by several people. © Screenshot

“These damn idiots”: Kristoffersen fumes

The first men's slalom of the season in Gurgl turned into an Austrian party. But at the end of the day it became a side note. Rather, the climate protests and a freak out by Henrik Kristoffersen made the headlines. Now the Norwegian speaks out.

18 November 2023

From: det

There were tumultuous scenes that took place in Gurgl. After the Austrian Marco Schwarz passed the finish line in the second round, two climate activists broke into the finish area. The race had to be interrupted for around ten minutes - and that Cameras captured a Henrik Kristoffersen who was completely beside himself. The ski star had to be held back by several people; he was gesticulating wildly and foaming with anger.

It was obvious that this freakout was aimed at the climate activists and was later confirmed by Kristoffersen in an interview with Norwegian radio NRK confirmed. “These damn idiots are ruining the race,” thundered the reigning slalom world champion and became even angrier: “I have no respect for such things and people. We shouldn't have people like that in the world." And further: "I would have hit him again if I had the opportunity."

What made Kristoffersen so angry: The race had to be stopped for around ten minutes after the protests. It was anything but easy for the runners to complete their second run. Including Kristoffersen's Norwegian teammate Alexander Steen Olsen, who had to go onto the slopes immediately after the interruption.

“At least four athletes had their race ruined today.” Henrik kristoffersen

With a somewhat cooler head, Kristoffersen, who finished in seventh place on Saturday, then wrote on social media: “I am someone who takes action when I feel injustice. There is no doubt that climate is a huge problem. However, disrupting such an event will never be the right time and place for protests. For most athletes, this is the be-all and end-all. At least four runners had their race ruined today, and in my opinion that’s not fair.”