Ole Ejnar Björndalen was called a “cannibal” during his playing days. © dpa / Sven Hoppe

Björndalen on Norway's dominance: “Everyone can win”

His nickname was Cannibal due to his dominance. Ole Einar Björndalen once dominated the Biathlon World Cup. His successors are also currently overpowering.

06. February 2024

From: dpa/sn

Record Olympic champion Ole Einar Björndalen believes that the Norwegian World Cup series winners can only beat themselves at the Biathlon World Championships in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic. “Even if we went to the World Cup with our second team, it wouldn’t be a big difference,” said the 50-year-old about his compatriots.

“We have two strong teams – the A team and the B team. Eight people who have the opportunity to win a race on a good day. And if six start at a World Cup, all six can win. There is no other team that has that.”

Pressure is not a problem for Björndalen

Björndalen does not see the danger that overall World Cup leader Johannes Thingnes Bø and Co. will not perform to their potential at the climax on Wednesday. “The boys are used to it, they know it. There's been a lot of pressure in the team for two or three years, but now it's even more. You can’t make any mistakes and they don’t either.”

Johannes Thingnes Bø is one of the big favorites from Norway. © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

So far, the Scandinavians have collected six triple successes and numerous other podium places among the men. Six of them are at the top of the overall World Cup, before the Swede Martin Ponsiluoma is the first non-Norwegian. “We found out what it takes to be top in biathlon. And the pressure in the senior team is really great now. Everyone is fighting to get a place,” said record world champion Björndalen.

Before the season, the former high-flyer heavily criticized the German team. He is now happy that “Germany is back”. He believes in a duel between Norway and Germany at the World Cup until February 18th. “I think it's a shame that France isn't at the forefront. They're really far away. Better than last year, but still far away - despite great athletes who should actually be able to contribute something. And Sweden is not as strong as usual,” said Björndalen, who won 20 world titles in his career.