Swedish biathletes respond to Björn Ferry criticism, Digi Mart USA News: Swedish biathletes have pushed back after SVT expert Björn Ferry said the country’s biathletes are “tame.” The comments were published by Expressen, which reported the exchange.
Ferry made the remarks during a discussion about Norwegian biathlete Einar Hedegart, who is preparing to return to biathlon after previously switching to cross-country skiing. The 25-year-old has become known for his outspoken statements, and Ferry said he welcomed Hedegart’s return.
“Swedish biathletes are a bit tame, actually. I have to admit that, even as someone who loves biathlon,” Ferry said.
He added that Hedegart brings another dimension so that Sebastian Samuelsson is not alone in adding substance to the sport.
Jesper Nelin responded by questioning whether Ferry himself is that entertaining. “I don’t know how many people Ferry doesn’t think are tame.
That’s up to him,” Nelin said.
Elvira Öberg discussed what kind of personality is needed to be a biathlete. She said that athletes cannot be impulsive at all times, which may lead to a outwardly “more boring personality.” Öberg said she would not describe herself as tame, even though she is not especially spectacular in the media, and argued that she contributes substance through her competitive results.
Sebastian Samuelsson said he was pleased to be considered Ferry’s exception, but said he had seen through the expert’s tactics. “That was harsh, but Ferry has understood that if you want to get through the noise, you have to take a clear position.
We’ll see if he gets invited to Skavlan,” Samuelsson said.
Asked whether he agrees that he is the only one contributing substance, Samuelsson said athletes must be themselves, but that biathlon is not the coolest sport on the planet, so it is important to share a bit of oneself.
