Biathlete Johannes Dale‑Skjevdal calls for better support for fathers in elite sport

Norwegian biathlete Johannes Dale‑Skjevdal has become a father to his son Jon and says he now fears being caught between the demands of elite sport and family life. In an Olympic season he expects about 250 travel days, and he argues that paternity leave is essentially non‑existent in elite sport. During a recent two‑week altitude camp, he missed seeing his son’s growth and says he does not want to be forced to choose between family and career.

To help balance both, Dale‑Skjevdal is asking for clearer, general guidelines in elite sport that would allow new parents to include their family for limited periods during long training camps or competition blocks—such as a week within a three‑week stretch. He stresses he does not expect families to be with the team constantly but believes scheduled opportunities would make a big difference. He notes the Norwegian federation already accommodated him at the Geilo season opener by giving the family a larger room so they could stay together.

National team head coach Per Arne Botnan acknowledges the topic hasn’t arisen often in recent years. He recalls that the federation previously facilitated arrangements for Liv Grete Skjelbreid when she became a mother in 2003; she went on to win four golds at the 2004 World Championships in Oberhof. Botnan says their job is to optimize athletes’ performance, and if family‑related adjustments help, they will look for solutions rather than reject them.

Dale‑Skjevdal is currently competing in the French Alps and secured his first individual World Cup podium of the season there, this time without his family traveling. If he qualifies for the Olympics, he hopes the family can be together for a period leading into the Games, emphasizing that having a stable home base has always been important for his wellbeing and performance.