In a few days, Norwegian Shooting Coach Siegfreid Mazet will don the dark blue Nordic cross emblazoned uniform for one last “Olympic Rodeo,” guiding the fortunes of his proteges to most likely more medals.

“Lucky to be a part of such sports”

The Antholz competitions and three final World Cups will close Mazet’s tenure in Norway, but his coaching journey will continue. “For me personally, it is just a step. I don’t see this as the end. I know I will be coaching again after this. We talk about the flag, the people: they are super, supporting our team. I always said that what I like is the connection with people, no matter what the flag is. I saw Campbell Wright second two times behind Johannes; he challenged us and I really like that. If Johannes had one more mistake, Campbell would have won a Gold medal. It was like Emilien Jacquelin when he took the Gold in 2020 ahead of Johannes and then again the next year. I am lucky to be a part of such sports. That is most important. Whatever comes next for me will be different, but I will enjoy it.”

Mazet emphasized that moving on opens new doors and opportunities. “My biathlon story is not finished. It ends now with Norway, but what comes next; I expect to be with another team, to work and have this feeling.”

Building relationships

He revealed a lot of his work revolves around building relationships that lead to success, like with the Boe brothers. “The relationships you build with the people are the most interesting. Results are one thing, but it is the path you take together… I loved being with Johannes and Tarjei with all the good results. It was a story I could not imagine, to have such good relations with the athletes and build this. For a coach, it was a very nice story to experience.”

“Proud of being with this team”

Coaching a team that won seven Men’s Nations Cups, six Men’s Total Scores and six Olympic medals (including relay and mixed relay) in 2022, Mazet singled out how he changed in the last 10 years. “I am most proud of knowing the Norwegian people and culture. Of course, we had good results. but when you are a foreigner, coming to a new team with a past history, experience and culture; it is important to learn that. I came with some knowledge, but when I look at who I was then and am now, it is different. My experience in Norway made me better; it opened my eyes and mind. Of course, I got better technical and coaching skills. Over and above that, I gained the trust…I was and am proud of being with this team. The people accepted me as I am and that is the best feeling.”

“Thank you for having me”

Mazet reiterated his appreciation to the team. “As I told the athletes when I announced my decision, ‘You have a very special Scandinavian culture. Thank you for having me with you because I really learned and I am just a better version of myself.’ That is priceless. I wish everyone could experience what I experienced.”

With his final Olympic Winter Games as a Norwegian Coach approaching, the 49-year-old revealed how success builds medalists, but not by focusing on every result. “The more you think about results, the more pressure you create. It is enjoyable when you know you can make the results and know you are among those elite athletes. When you have won 1,2,3 times, you know that you can be an Olympic Champion. The athlete who is always around 30th knows there is a really small chance they can be an Olympic Champion. I always remind my athletes they are so lucky; many others would like to be in their position. They should never forget that.”

And it is quite likely that they will not soon forget what Siegfried Mazet brought to Norwegian Biathlon.

Photos: IBU/Christian Manzoni, Nordic Focus