PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Sweden chooses not to invite Stina Nilsson to the WC.
This causes the Norwegian icon Ole Einar Björndalen to react strongly.
– It’s ridiculous, he says to TV2 and directs criticism at Sweden.
The Swedish superstar Elvira Öberg is still sick with a sore throat and a big cloud of anxiety before the biathlon World Cup continues. Most likely she will not be able to run the women’s distance race on Wednesday.
The decision about Stina
There are five places that Sweden can use for the race and with only four healthy skiers there was an opportunity to fly in Stina Nilsson to the WC in Oberhof. But the Swedish national biathlon team has made the decision not to call up the Swede from home.
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Nor Johanna Skottheim or Tilda Johansson lightning called to the WC, due to illness.
– We have three possibilities in Johanna Skottheim, Tilda Johansson or Stina Nilsson. It’s like before, it’s not easy to get here. And Tilda is sick at home, Johanna is just back after illness and Stina has just started a new training block and is not quite ready for a distance either. But we will evaluate the situation during the week, if we need to send someone here for the relay, said the Swedish national team captain John Luke to SVT yesterday.
READ MORE: The national team’s clear message after the setback – that’s why Stina Nilsson is nobbed again: “Have talked to her…”
Björndalen’s criticism
The decision not to call in an additional rider is now causing strong reactions in Norway. The Norwegian biathlon legend Ole Einar Björndalen is very critical and sees Sweden’s decisions.
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The Norwegian, who is considered one of the very best biathletes of all time, believes that national team captain Lukas should pick up the phone and call Stina Nilsson immediately.
– It’s ridiculous that they don’t take her in. They must try to line up with a full team and to be able to prepare to deliver in a possible relay should she be needed there, he says to Norwegian TV2.
READ MORE: The duo Björn Ferry and Ola Bränholm are seen in the middle of the Biathlon World Cup – harsh criticism of SVT: “Meaningless”
Sweden will evaluate the situation with Elvira Öberg in the coming days and then make a new decision if a replacement needs to be called in for the ladies’ relay race. The relay takes place on Saturday and then on Sunday the mass start awaits.
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