Frustrated Swedish star on Norway’s sprint sweep: “A crisis”

Norway enjoyed a commanding day in the men’s biathlon sprint in Le Grand‑Bornand, France, securing four of the top five positions. Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen claimed victory with two clean shootings, while teammate Johannes Dale‑Skjevdal finished second despite two penalty loops thanks to strong skiing.

Sweden’s Sebastian Samuelsson reacted with frustration to the Norwegian sweep, calling the outcome “a crisis” and vowing to figure out how to turn things around before the next race. Norway’s Johan‑Olav Botn criticized Samuelsson’s remarks as emotional and “idiotic,” saying the results simply reflect Norway’s sustained strength in men’s biathlon over the past decade.

Sjåstad Christiansen agreed—tongue‑in‑cheek—that the situation was indeed a “crisis” for Samuelsson and joked that the Swede should “go home and be ashamed,” adding that Samuelsson has long felt like a “little brother” to him. NRK commentators Torgeir Bjørn and Ola Lunde suggested that Sjåstad Christiansen’s performance effectively punched his ticket to the 2026 Olympics, an assessment the winner himself endorsed.

The race took place after a sickness‑hit buildup in the Norwegian camp. Martin Uldal returned home earlier in the week due to illness, Isak Leknes Frey arrived late after being unwell, and Sturla Holm Lægreid also didn’t feel fully fit. After finishing, Sjåstad Christiansen said he was utterly spent—he even vomited after the race—and described the final loop as “horrible but worth it.” France’s Émilien Jacquelin completed the podium in third place.