Johannes Dale-Skjevdal finished third in last season’s World Cup Total Score, a much-appreciated personal best. Appreciation comes after a “lost 2021-22 season” when the hard-working Dale-Skjevdal was demoted to the IBU Cup. Infrequently in the spotlight, but a battler every day, he can easily have a great day and be the fourth finisher on the strong Norwegian squad. After a hard training day in the thin air of Lavaze, Italy, Dale-Skjevdal had some fun talking about his Monday routine and his skills beyond biathlon.

What time do you wake up on Mondays and what is the first thing you do after waking up? “As an athlete, it does not matter whether it is Monday or Saturday most of the year, I wake up at 7 am. The first thing I do is make a cup of coffee. I usually get ready the night before so I can just push a button and be ready to go.”

What is the first app you look at when you turn on your phone? “I hate to say it, but it is Instagram for sure.”

Breakfast Pastries

What makes your breakfast routine perfect? “As an athlete, carbs are very important. I Usually try to get a lot of those. That also usually means some sweet things in the morning. For example, in training camp, I always grab myself some pastries and pancakes to get me through the session. My excuse is that I need those to get me through the day. I really like a sweet treat in the morning with coffee. Then I have a good breakfast for sure.”

Does your early morning regime include stretching, yoga, a jog or mental preparation?

“No, I have to be honest. My routine is only grabbing a cup of coffee, a good breakfast and I am gone. I would love to say I was doing all that stretching and preparation, but no! The secret is out!”

Is your backpack packed and ready to go every day or do you throw everything in at the last minute? “On this, I am quite organized. I like to have everything prepared. I like to have control of what I am packing. I never pack a bag on the day I leave. I always pack in advance, so I have good control and no stress. That is an important part of my life.” Speaking of packing, what is your biggest “oh, I forgot that?” I would say it was my iPad that I use for training and relaxation. I do not let that happen because I would then have to read a book…and that is not going to happen! We need something for relaxation. If I do not have my iPad, my heart rate will go way up!”

Always Motivated

Do you have a mental checklist that you go through each morning? “Yeah, it might be a bit unconscious, but you always take a check of your body when you wake up. Just go up the stairs and see how the body feels, that is part of our (athlete’s) make-up. You do that whether it is a rest day, training or a race day. Otherwise, it is just go for it. I am always motivated for training. That small check and I am ready to go.”

Do you consider yourself a perfectionist when it comes to training? “I would say so. It is important to have a good relationship with training, so I know what I am doing. I am quite strict on heartrate, lactate and such, but I also go on feeling. I have a plan but not afraid to adjust. That gut feeling is extremely important.”

Is there any piece of advice that guides you every day? “It is all about quality training. It makes no sense to go out training if I am having a bad day. I would rather skip a day and have quality sessions. That has been with me for a long time ago back in middle school. I have never been afraid of taking rest days. I think that is why I am sick so little.”

What do you do to wind down at the end of the day? “I am quite fond of making food. In fact, that is my passion. I like cooking, so after my second session, I make dinner with my wife. I am the chef at home! Then we usually go to the couch and watch a TV series. I usually end up on the couch at the end of the day.”

Are you a picky eater or do you eat anything? I eat anything. I told the cook at this hotel that everything I my favorite! There are very few things I do not like.”

What is the hardest part of being a professional biathlete? “From year to year, travel gets harder. It is not a problem now but I can imagine that it will be an issue someday. But now I enjoy travelling and being in camps at this time of the year. It is quite trough in the winter to be away for so long especially when you are racing.”

What is something very few people know about you? “Most people see me as a happy nice guy. But inside me, I can be quite aggressive especially on the track. I would say a hidden tiger that I show especially on the last loop. But I am not like that in my private life.”

Anniversary Plans

What project is on your “to do” list when you get home from training camp? My one-year wedding anniversary is coming up so I need to make a plan for that, something to celebrate. So, the pressure is on! We will take little trip. I am really looking forward to that after being away for so long.”

Photos: IBU/Christian Manzoni, Jerry Kokesh, Johannes Dale-Skjevdal