Biathlon : “I feel like I woke up a bit after the tribute to Sivert”, says Johannes Dale-Skjevdal
Against an emotional backdrop, Johannes Dale-Skjevdal (9/10) took a brilliant third place in the biathlon sprint in Oberhof (Germany), his third podium finish of the winter.
Before the start, the athletes paid tribute to the late Sivert Guttorm Bakken. Surrounded by his compatriot Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen and Tommaso Giacomel, the Scandinavian firmly held the number 1 bib reserved for Sivert Guttorm Bakken. “The tribute was very brutal, but also very beautiful. It was very beautiful,” an emotional Johannes Dale-Skjevdal told NRK at the finish.
Having set the fastest time on his skis, the podium took on a special dimension for the Norwegian. “It’s even more special when Tommy [Tommaso Giacomel] wins and I’m on the podium too. We’re so close… pfff, every time I talk about it, I get tears in my eyes. It’s really great and another way of paying tribute to Sivert,” he adds.
In the finish area, Johannes Dale-Skjevdal and Tommaso Giacomel embraced, a gesture that reflects the closeness and solidarity between the athletes. “Before the start today, I was completely demotivated. I feel like I woke up a bit after the tribute to Sivert. It did me a world of good, both physically and mentally. I’m very happy with my performance today,” explained the Scandinavian.
For the 28-year-old biathlete, third place is not just a sporting success: it’ s an emotional victory, a vibrant tribute to Sivert Guttorm Bakken.
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