Biathlon: “This day of competition has been very special for all of us”, says Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold
Norway’s Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold (7/10) had a particularly difficult day in the World Cup sprint inOberhof (Germany) on Thursday. With three faults on her standing shot, the Norwegian biathlete finished in 58th place. But over and above the sporting result, this event was marked by a strong emotional charge linked to the tribute paid to the late Sivert Guttorm Bakken.
“This day of competition has been very special for all of us. It was full of emotion and solidarity. I really appreciate the family and team spirit that reigns in biathlon. It’s clear that it’s demanding for all of us,” the Scandinavian confided to VG.
The 29-year-old Norwegian admits that she had trouble managing her stress before the start. “Biathlon means a lot to us, and it also means a lot to Sivert. When you’re nervous before the race, I also think about how incredibly lucky I am to be able to take part,” she explains.
The commemoration touched the athletes deeply. Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold says: “It was very sad, but also very beautiful. The fact that there was a minute’s applause and not a minute’s silence says a lot about the biathlon family. We want to pay tribute to Sivert. And even though we’ve had this commemoration today, it’s not over. Sivert will always be in our hearts,” she confides, with tears in her eyes.
In the mixed zone just after the finish, the Norwegian couldn’t hold back her emotions and was comforted by her friend Julia Simon with a hug and a few words. ” It’s always difficult to see a friend like that,” Julia Simon told NRK. “I didn’t say anything, just that it was normal to cry. I think it’s difficult for everyone. It’s difficult for the Norwegian team and for everyone who knows him [Sivert Guttorm Bakken] well.”
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