Speculation is growing: Now a veteran commentator opens the door for a national team spot in biathlon for Hedegart, despite not having competed in a single biathlon race this season.

The 24-year-old from Norway switched to cross-country skiing just before the season started, and has since dominated everything, from sprint to 50km. After his debut season, Einar Hedegart stands with two Olympic gold medals, one bronze, and nine wins from 11 races. Now, the Norwegian Ski Association is opening the door to the cross-country national team.

Hedegart himself is dreaming of a place on the biathlon national team and says he is in contact with the biathlon association.

That was also confirmed by the association ahead of the weekend. They say they want to discuss his future after the Norwegian Biathlon Championships in April.

“We, of course, hope to see him at the Norwegian Championships in Os, and then we would like to have a conversation with him about what he sees for his future in terms of biathlon,” said Secretary General Emilie Norskar to TV 2.

Also Read: How Hedegart trained his way to Olympic gold

Can make an exception

NRK commentator veteran Torgeir Bjørn does not rule out that Hedegart could get what he wants.

He highlights several factors that could favor the super talent’s inclusion on the elite biathlon national team.

“It is clear that he has a lot to learn in shooting to reach World Cup level. But he has some extreme qualities,” Bjørn told Langrenn.com, and continued:

“We have seen before that national teams have made some unusual selections when it comes to athletes with extreme abilities.”

Bjørn points to Lars Berger, who was part of the biathlon national team for many years despite having a standing shooting accuracy in the low 60 percent range.

“Lars Berger is an example of the team prioritizing an athlete with extreme qualities in one area. He was incredibly fast on skis and helped raise the others’ level on the team. In that way, he contributed to making Ole Einar Bjørndalen an even better biathlete overall,” he said.

“These are the kinds of qualities that can make national team management choose to include athletes who may not be complete in all aspects.”

Limited spots available

At the same time, Bjørn points out that if Hedegart is to join the elite team, someone else will have to make way.

There are normally six spots on the team. Four of the current athletes have competed at the Olympics and won medals.

In addition, two athletes from the development team, both Olympians, one of them an individual Olympic gold medalist, are pushing hard for selection.

Dreaming of Biathlon World Championships 2029

Hedegart himself has even suggested creating a seventh national team spot – for him.

The 24-year-old has the Biathlon World Championships in Holmenkollen in three years as his main goal.

“If things had worked out better on the shooting range, the World Championships in Oslo 2029 would be a clear goal for me. It is not often you get the chance to compete at a championship on home soil. Especially since I missed out on Trondheim last year, it has become a dream goal. That means I would have to switch to biathlon quite quickly to become good enough,” Hedegart told Viaplay ahead of the cross-country World Cup final.

He believes it is realistic.

“With proper effort and a good coach, I think it can become very good in the long term.”

About the cross-country national team, Hedegart says:

“It is a very good plan B.”

One thing he is certain about: it is more tempting to train shooting skills than classic cross-country skiing.

Reigning national champion

Last year, Hedegart won the King’s Cup after taking victory in the mass start at the Norwegian Biathlon Championships. This year, he is entered in the sprint at the championships, held in Os and Røros from April 9 to 11.

Now, Hedegart will use the time leading up to the event to sharpen his shooting skills. The last time he competed in biathlon was at the national season opener in Geilo in mid-November, where he finished 20th in the sprint and 25th in the mass start.

After the Norwegian Biathlon Championships, it may become clear whether Einar Hedegart will earn a place on a national team – and if so, which one.

Also Read – Biathlon World Cup 2025/2026: Final standings after Holmenkollen

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