– Dominance is not good for the sport, say biathlon king Bjørndalen and Olle Dahlin, the latter president of the International Biathlon Union (IBU).
The trend has been there for a while.
– In a few years it could be as bad as in cross-country skiing. It’s a disaster there, says Bjørndalen.
IBU President Dahlin says that one of the sport’s strengths has been its breadth, and that many nations have been able to fight for podium places in the World Cup. He thinks it disturbing that only Italy (women’s pursuit start) and Sweden (mixed relay) have been able to challenge Norway and France so far in the championship in Nove Mesto na Morave in the Czech Republic.
– We have seen the fact that many nations take podium places as one of our most important advantages. It’s about the value of the market rights and our TV rights so that our sport will be exciting, says Dahlin.
Bjørndalen believes that the IBU and biathlon have been harmed by the fluoride ban that was introduced before this season.
– Only the big nations have the opportunity to produce good equipment and fluoride-free lubrication, he says.
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More targeted
Bjørndalen believes that the top managers must do more to reduce the gap.
– If the IBU does not address this now, it will be as bad for us in three or four years as it is in cross-country skiing. I’m extremely interested in cross-country skiing, but I don’t watch anymore, he says.
Dahlin claims that the IBU is doing a lot to reduce the gap between the nations.
– We have an extensive development program in which we approach the nations in a more targeted manner through tailored mentoring programmes.
He especially hopes that the nations will get more active runners. In Sweden, for example, the number of active biathletes increased from 500 to 2,000 within nine years.
– Many can also learn from Sweden to create a center like in Östersund, where we gather the entire national team, Dahlin believes.
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Laser rifle for recruitment
IBI has also arranged for coach training in several stages, and through the association’s development programme, the nations can also get laser rifles which make the recruitment of young people easier.
The program is supported with close to 12 million Norwegian kroner.
Dahlin supports Bjørndalen in his view of the fluoride ban. This has led to the best nations gaining an even greater lead.
– The first season will always be a challenge, but this can be solved. The technology transfer will proceed quite quickly. The lubrication manufacturers are involved in the process, and there is an exchange of expertise between the nations’ lubrication teams, says Dahlin.
(©NTB)