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Great trouble in the Norwegian national biathlon national team: The association is cutting Karoline Offigstad Knotten from the official squad for the coming winter-because the 30-year-old is not satisfied with the training focus.
This boosting comes as a surprise: Karoline Offigstad Knotten, last winter with 14th place in the overall World Cup, second best Norwegian, will no longer be part of the biathlon national team in the coming season and will be replaced by Ragnhild Femsteinevik (29). The association announced this as part of its official presentation for the Olympic year.
The reason is obviously discrepancies between knotters and those responsible. Central dispute: The question of how training is to be designed with regard to the 2026 Olympics. The association has developed a clear plan that the athletes are supposed to complete together. However, knotting is said to have communicated that this does not fit her and she would rather focus on other focal points.
“We need athletes who support the program 100 percent and trust that it is the plan that offers everyone the best possible chances of success,” said Arne Botnan, head of the national team. “We and Karoline Knotten have different wishes and needs for the next season. That is why we decided that Karoline will not be part of the national team.”
Karoline Offigstad Knotten will no longer be part of the Norwegian national team next winter
Knotten: “It was a shock”
But even though Botnan spoke of “we”, notted notting revealed to have been completely surprised by the expulsion. “It was a shock,” the 30-year-old told the NRK . “I find it incredibly sad and I’m disappointed.” She could not understand the decision and, according to her own statements, even “strongly expressed” that she would like to stay part of the team.
The planning was primarily about the height training, which she has been practicing for over ten years. “But I am not allowed to use this experience because everyone should do the same,” said the Norwegian, who emphasized that every athlete react differently to height training. Therefore, she questioned the association’s plan. “Being curious does not mean being disloyal,” she added.
From now on, the girlfriend of the German biathlete Philipp Nawrath is largely on his own during the training planning in the season preparation. The Norwegian association only provides it with the material. But: Chances on World Cup starts still have knotters. In Norway there are a number of athletes who are not in the national squad and still represent the country at international competitions.
Björndals reacts to knot-shining
Biathlon icon Ole Einar Björndalen, on the other hand, was surprised at Knotten’s throwing out. “I am surprised that they didn’t agree,” he said TV2 and suspected that something had happened between the participants.
Knotten always had fluctuations, “but their good performances were fantastic. So she should also be part of the team,” said Björndalen.
Her compatriot ran into the top 10 five times last winter and made it to the podium as third in December at the Sprint of Hochfilzen.
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