‘Very unsure’ – Tiril Eckhoff admits she may never return to biathlon after Covid-19 and sleep issues

Published 08/02/2023 at 15:23 GMT

The biathlon world has been down one superstar this season with Norway’s Tiril Eckhoff not taking part in any competition. Eckhoff contracted Covid-19 at the end of the season and then developed issues with her sleep. She said in an interview that she will most likely not be returning this season and is unsure whether she will return to the sport full stop.

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Double Olympic champion Tiril Eckhoff has admitted that she may never return to biathlon after having missed the start of the season and now the world championships.

Eckhoff, 32, hasn’t skied since the end of last season when she came down with Covid-19.

It was confirmed before the season started that Eckhoff would miss at least a portion of the campaign as she had issues with sleep after contracting the virus.

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And speaking to NRK ahead of the 2023 world championships, Eckhoff confirmed that a return this season “probably won’t happen.”

She admitted that it was tough at first to not be out there but has now found enjoyment and inspiration watching.

“In the beginning, it was really quite tough to watch biathlon on TV.

“[Competing] was what I most wanted to do. But now it has dawned on me that it's fine to sit at home and watch my team-mates do well. It's also inspiring.”

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Eckhoff also went into detail explaining what has gone wrong for her.

“It started with Covid, then I developed sleep problems and various other things. I have received good care, but have found that there is nothing to ski on.

“It's a bit strange that I don't have the energy I need

"I've always been a bundle of energy. It's a bit strange to be a shadow of myself.

"It's going well now. But I am still being cared for by a doctor and getting help there. It's still tough, so I really have to take it one day at a time.”

Eckhoff admitted that she could not guarantee she would return to the sport.

“I am very unsure. I'm still a bit in the thinking section of the decision, since I've struggled so much with my health.

“I am very unsure. I'm still deciding [whether to return to the sport] as I've struggled so much with my health.

“I'm still mulling over what I'm going to do, whether I can bear to take another season, or whether I'm going to ‘call it a day’.”

Eckhoff said the argument for coming back was “that it's a fantastic sport and it's a lot of fun to be on a trip and travel and be in good shape,” but on the other hand “it is a job that requires dedication. There are so many hours of training, diet, everything.

“I have experienced almost everything as a top athlete. And I must have all the motivation to put in the effort needed. And I know how much that effort is.”

In the absence of Eckhoff, Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold has come in to join the relay team alongside Marte Olsbu Roeiseland, Sturla Holm Laegreid and Johannes Thingnes Boe.

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