Five Burning Questions for Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen
When it is time for the Blinkfestivalen, one athlete always seems to show up ready to battle for the podium: Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen. Last weekend was no exception, Christiansen won the super sprint/mass start double for the second time, upping his total number of Blink wins up to eight, more than any other biathlete.
The 34-year-old Norwegian whose entertaining style and personality is tailor-made made for Blink where the fans are very close to the action, appreciating his performances on the tracks and podium. The day after his weekend sweep, Christiansen answered our five burning questions and revealed what new motivation he found that will extend his biathlon career for some time.
Biathlonworld: Was not taking the competitions too seriously since this was the first test of the year, the key to two wins this weekend?
Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen: Kind of, but this kind of show races in the summer bring their own kind of challenge. With warm temperatures and high speed on the rollerskis I could reach a heart rate of 196 bpm, like in to the last shooting on Friday. So definitely challenging enough. And I guess my routine and calmness in these tight duels also is an advantage.
BW: After easily winning and cruising the last loop of the mass start semifinal, were you pretty confident when the final started?
VSC: Yeah, but final and semi-final are something very different mentally. I the semi-final you have some room for error to qualify for the final, but there are almost no room for error if you want to win the final.
BW: You now have 8 wins at Blink, what is the magic there or is a place you just like? VSC: I guess I’ve just figured out how to solve this kind of show races. For sure there’s and advantage for my big body with asphalt and rollerskis, but I’m not the fastest shooter in the field. But I’ve managed to find the best solution between attack and control on the range.
BW: What is it like to outkick a fast young kid like Eric not once but twice?
VSC: It’s the best feeling. Showing the younger ones the oldest guy in the field ain’t finished yet! Especially in a competition like this where the key to winning is speed, what you normally have more of in your 20s.
BW: You had a pretty spectacular trip to the US, with golf and the World Cup; what was the highlight and the most fun for you?
VSC: The highlight was the whole atmosphere around the Norwegian team. It was a great experience to be able to feel this from the stands, and not the range. I could let my emotions fly free. You know, as a biathlete, you try everything to feel as little as possible when you’re at the range. It was amazing to be on the other side of the fence; being a loud and crazy fan. It really showed me why we love sport so much and gave me a lot of motivation to hopefully carry on for a couple of more years.
Biathlonworld Bonus: Did you have you plan for entertaining the fans at the prize giving before the weekend or did you just ad lib?
VSC: I always have a plan 😅 Makes the pressure on myself perfectly high!
Photos: IBU/Christian Manzoni, Nordic Focus
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