He organizes his closet by color, keeps his apartment spotless, collects art and watches, and relaxes by trading stocks. In less than a week, the Norwegian national team veteran will begin his 14th World Cup season.

The 33-year-old from Geilo, now the oldest member of the Norwegian elite national team and chasing his second Olympic Games, says he leaves nothing to chance—neither at home nor in his training.

“I like to say I have an OCD life. I am a perfectionist in all aspects of life, like a lot of athletes. You want to do things as perfectly as possible, but really don’t know what’s perfect. You just have to guess and hope it’s right,” says Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen to the IBU, describing himself as extremely meticulous.

“My wardrobe is synchronized by color: sweaters, t-shirts, polos; my apartment is really, really clean. When I am at camp, my head takes a break, so my room is just a mess!”

Like watches and art

Sjåstad Christiansen reveals that he collects two things: art and watches. And when he starts talking about watches, he lights up.

“I really like watches. I am a bit of a watch collector; really like to wear them, clean them, and make sure the time is set,” says the biathlon star.

He admits, though, that he needs to restrain himself.

“I like collecting, and if I start, I am just out of my mind, and all my money is gone.”

Relaxes in the sauna – and on the stock market

When Sjåstad Christiansen wants to unwind, two things top his list: the sauna and the stock market.

“I really like to relax in the sauna. At home, I have a portable infrared sauna. At camp, we have the real deal, so the second session always finishes with a half-hour sauna, refueling with a lot of water,” he says, adding:

“I also like economics, do a lot of stocks, and a couple of other businesses, so I am occupied.”

Starting the chase for an Olympic spot

Last winter, Sjåstad Christiansen was cut from the World Cup team and sent down to the IBU Cup after the first three rounds, despite meeting all Association requirements by a wide margin and receiving no explanation for the decision. He was so frustrated that he left the training camp in protest. That, he says, will not happen again.

In less than a week, the 33-year-old will kick off his 14th World Cup-level season—starting at home in Geilo, where the national season opener takes place November 14–16.

Two weeks later, the World Cup season begins—and with it, the chase for a spot on Norway’s Olympic team for Milano-Cortina 2026.

So far, Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen has two Olympic medals, both from 2022. The bronze from the mass start was impressive—but the gold he secured on the anchor leg of the men’s relay was a performance for the history books.

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