Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen, at 33 years old is the veteran presence on the Norwegian team, someone you would want as a teammate: hard-working, funny, loyal; yet unafraid to voice his opinions.

After slipping off the World Cup squad for part of last season, the 2022 Olympic Gold and Bronze medalist is back with the A team, working to secure World Cup and Olympic berths. After a brutally hot training session in Passo Lavazè, Christiansen revealed his Monday routine, meticulously organized life and his watch collection.

Biathlonworld: What time do you wake up on Mondays and the first thing you do after waking up?

Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen: Mondays are nothing special for us. Every day is the weekend and every weekend is a normal day, so Monday is a day like the others. Usually, I wake at 7:30; I like oversleeping. That is the earliest for me to wake up comfortably. The first thing I do is make coffee and porridge for breakfast.

BW: What is the first app you look at when you turn on your phone?

VSC: Unfortunately, I have to say Instagram. I forced myself to not download TikTok because then I know I would scroll forever! It’s Instagram…and that is not a good answer!

BW: What makes your breakfast routine perfect?

VSC: Black coffee, porridge and a couple of slices of bread. Dale-Skjevdal and I bought the same coffee machine last year, so we both have really good coffee.

BW: Does your early morning regime include stretching, yoga, or a jog?

VSC: No, no, no; it’s all about waking up. I like to stretch a bit but do it in the evening, hoping it carries over during the night. I just throw some cold water on my face to wake up properly.

BW: Do you consider yourself a perfectionist when it comes to training?

VSC: Yes, for sure. I like to say I have an OCD life. I am a perfectionist in all aspects of life, like a lot of athletes. You want to do things as perfectly as possible but really don’t know what’s perfect. You just have to guess and hope it’s right. My wardrobe is synchronized by color: sweaters, t-shorts, polos; my apartment is really, really clean. When I am at camp, my head takes a break so my room is just a mess!

BW: Are you fearless?

VSC: I would say so. At least I am not afraid to make mistakes and unafraid to say I want to win. That is a good description of being fearless.

BW: When the day is over, what do you do to wind down?

VSC: I really like to relax in the sauna. At home, I have a portable infrared sauna. At camp, we have the real deal so the second session always finishes with a half-hour sauna, refueling with a lot of water. I am not good at watching series, but I like movies, because they end in one evening. I also like economics, do a lot of stocks, and a couple of other businesses so I am occupied.

BW: What is the hardest part of being a professional biathlete?

VSC: There are so many aspects you have to be almost the best in: physical training, shooting; where is my weakness, where do I have to put in the work? You never really sure the answer is good enough; just believe, think, hope for the best and know your strengths and weaknesses. BW: What is the biggest challenge you have overcome as an athlete?

VSC: Pushing yourself is not the right thing: train more, be better. It is more like train smarter, be better. That can be difficult; you have to be tough to dare to rest; dare to find out what is best for my body. I found that out in my mid-twenties and that’s when I got really good. But it was difficult.

BW: What is your biggest indulgence; something you cannot do without?

VSC: It’s not a thing, but my friends that are not doing biathlon. It is good to have some friends with other perspectives, especially in tough times. It is a really important aspect of life, having some friends who think differently.

BW: What is your most prized possession?

VSC: I really like watches. I am a bit of a watch collector; really like to wear them, clean then and make sure the time is set. I like collecting and If I start, I am just out of my mind and all my money is gone.

BW: What home project is on your “to do” list before the new season starts?

VSC: I bought a new apartment six years ago, so I most everything is done. I also collect a bit of art. I changed some pictures this spring and where one picture was, needs painting over. It has been four months now, so I have to get that done!

Photos: IBU/Nordic Focus, Jerry Kokesh