Biathlon king Ole Einar Bjørndalen (NOR) is a master of perfection. Few have a similar ability to time a peak.
After more than a season where others have been allowed to the top of the podium, Bjoerndalen appears to be back at his game. Two weeks before the 2012 World Championships in Rupholding (GER), Bjoerndalen clinched his first World Cup victory in 434 days.
“Heavenly” was Bjoerndalen’s only comment when asked about how it felt. It was his 94th career World Cup victory, and his 93rd in biathlon.
Tune out the noise
While some might have started to question his ability to get back on top, that he’s almost 40 and just about done, Bjoerndalen never strayed from his plan. He’s going for the World Championships. And the 2014 Olympics. And beyond. And he never stops believing. But he doesn’t waste time on those who don’t.
“I never waste a calorie on people who think I’m finished. I spend my energy on those who help me perform. And it was relieving to win a race again. It was a feeling unlike any I’ve ever had. I’ve never been that happy about winning a ski race before,” Bjoerndalen says to Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten.
Age is no limit
Bjoerndalen says racing at the World Cup level well into his 40s would be no problem. As long as he has the support of those who matter to him.
“Age is no limit as long as you’re mentally there. And you need an environment that supports you. The biggest challenge with getting older is your family. If they say you should consider retiring, then you start to question your career and you get insecure,” the 38-year-old says, adding that so far that has not been a problem for him.
Keep evolving
In order to get faster and stay on top, Bjoerndalen constantly needs to tweak his training program. He can’t remember the last time he didn’t train alone at altitude to peak for a championship.
This year he didn’t. This time, he’s trained low and together with the national team. Due to a back injury last summer, Bjoerndalen didn’t get his dryland volume as planned, and his peaking progression was delayed. But he’s relaxed going into the 2012 World Championships March 1-11.
“I don’t feel any pressure. I just have a job to do. I’m not a favorite this time. I feel more like a wild card,” Bjoerndalen says.
However, there is no doubt that this man has a drive and a resolve from a different world.
Commitment
Madshus never had a doubt that the king would return.
“We always have a long-term perspective with our athletes, and we knew it would turn,” says Per Wiik, Global Marketing Director at Madshus AS.
Madshus has room for variation in performance, and know that their athletes work incredibly hard and goal-oriented. That effort is valued.
“We work professionally with our athletes, and make sure we take care of all their equipment needs. We make sure they can rely on their gear,” Wiik says.
“They put in so much hard work, we have to make sure everything works for them. With Bjoerndalen, we always knew it would turn,” Wiik says, adding that when Bjoerndalen won on February 12, the entire factory celebrated his success.
“We were all super excited for him. We all follow biathlon and skiing very closely, and this was a great race for him,” Wiik says.