Einar Hedegart clinched Norwegian Championship silver in his comeback, despite three misses. Now, the national team management is divided on his future.

Einar Hedegart’s Norwegian Championship silver has sparked disagreement within the national team management. The 24-year-old secured silver in the Norwegian Championship sprint during his comeback, despite three misses.

Only Johannes Dale-Skjevdal, who started last and shot clean, managed to beat Hedegart in the sprint. The final margin was 13.7 seconds.

“Beating him means as much as the king’s trophy,” said a relieved Dale-Skjevdal to Langrenn.com.

Hedegart expressed satisfaction with his silver medal.

“It was better than I expected. It was fun, and it confirmed what I’ve felt all year: I’m a much better shooter both prone and standing. It feels fantastic to know that.”

“I’ve cracked a few codes.”

Hoping to secure a National Team spot

Hedegart switched to cross-country skiing in November, but since the Olympics, he has increasingly expressed his desire to return to biathlon and is pursuing a spot on the A national team for next season. Several experts have suggested that this could be a possibility.

However, this issue has created division within the national team management.

Emilie Nordskar, the Secretary General of the Biathlon Association, told NRK that the board is internally divided on whether to include him in the A national team next season.

What do you think when you hear that?
“Can’t they come to an agreement? I don’t want to create division; I want to foster unity,” Hedegart said with a smile after winning the NM silver.

Hedegart is likely to receive news next week.

“I hope the silver has swayed those who were uncertain and made them more eager to make an offensive decision,” he added.

This winter’s breakout star, Ole Tafjord Suhrke, who was Hedegart’s teammate in Team Havland until this season, took bronze.

NM Biathlon 2026 – Results
Top 3 Men, Sprint

1. Johannes Dale-Skjevdal, Fet SK, (0+0), 22:19.2
2. Einar Hedegart, Team Anlegg Øst, (2+1), +13.7
3. Ole Tafjord Suhrke, Team Havland, (0+2), +20.3

Full Results

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