Biathlon: Campbell Wright blasts European rivals for “fake professionalism”

U.S. biathlete Campbell Wright has drawn attention with blunt comments about the pre‑race behavior of many European rivals. Speaking on the podcast “Skirious problems,” Wright said a significant number show “fake professionalism,” acting surly and closed off in the hour before competitions in the belief it will improve performance. He questioned whether such routines are healthy and beneficial, remarking that some athletes become so fixated they feel sick and stop talking to others.

Wright, who shocked the biathlon world with silver medals in the sprint and pursuit at the World Championships in Lenzerheide—finishing behind Norway’s Johannes Thingnes Bø—said he has sometimes been frowned upon for joking and telling stories before starts. He added that a few Norwegians are relaxed and enjoyable to banter with and that top athletes can still “enjoy it a little.”

The reaction from other athletes is mixed. Norway’s Isak Leknes Frey dismissed the criticism, saying athletes have different preparations and that he prefers to be in his own bubble. Fellow Norwegians Vebjørn Sørum and Sturla Holm Lægreid partly agreed with Wright, arguing many athletes in Europe—and some in Norway—fit the description and that you can still perform while being light‑hearted before the start.

France’s Fabien Claude disagreed with Wright’s premise, explaining he focuses on himself before races without hostility toward others. He emphasized respecting different approaches and maintaining fair play.

Wright’s comments, which included the quip that some Europeans have “a stick up their bum,” have sparked debate within the biathlon circuit about pre‑race mentalities and where professionalism ends and counterproductive rigidity begins.