He’s one of the major names this winter in international biathlon. But it’s only been two years since he thought he would die alone in a hotel room in Central Europe. Now, the 26-year-old from Norway hopes the season will bring him his first World Cup victory—or better yet, a World Championship medal.

Vebjørn Sørum from Lunner has achieved a major breakthrough this winter. He is one of the very few athletes to navigate the narrow path from the Norwegian IBU biathlon team to the World Cup. Martin Uldal is the other.

However, just two years ago, he feared for his life in a hotel room in Italy.

A Harrowing Experience

Oppland Arbeiderblad recounted the story in autumn 2022. Sørum was at a high-altitude training camp in Lavazé when he woke up in severe pain. Initially, hospital doctors suspected a urinary tract infection.

“I was given antibiotics, but they didn’t work. I was alone at a hotel in the valley below the pass, and the pain was so intense I thought I wouldn’t survive. It was a terrible experience. Thankfully, I made it back to the hospital. That’s when they discovered I had appendicitis. If the appendix bursts, it can be very dangerous. The infection had already started spreading to my abdominal cavity. Fortunately, I had surgery and got it removed,” Sørum told oa.no.

No Walk in the Park

The road to the top has been far from easy for Vebjørn Sørum. The 26-year-old has dealt with multiple illnesses, including contracting COVID-19 during a high-altitude training camp in October.

Still, the man known for delivering “the world’s best anchor legs” has triumphed this winter. His performance in the opening relay in Kontiolahti sent shockwaves through the biathlon world.

“We have an incredibly high level in Norway. You have to seize the opportunity when it comes. So far, I think this season has gone well, and I’m looking forward to the January races,” he said.

Christmas in Italy

Sørum celebrated Christmas in Italy, training for a season in which the World Championships in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, will be the highlight.

His wishlist also includes his first World Cup victory. With teammates like Endre Strømsheim and Martin Uldal already crossing that milestone, Sørum feels it’s his turn. He achieved two third-place finishes last season and ended with a fourth in the pursuit in Le Grand Bornand.

Additionally, he has top-5 results from Kontiolahti and Hochfilzen, which have increased his visibility. But the spotlight is something he enjoys.

“I get more messages from friends and acquaintances back home in Hadeland. I really appreciate that and try to respond to everyone. Down here, you have to plan for an extra 15 minutes walking to the stadium because so many people stop you for pictures and autographs. I think it’s great. I’ve always been curious about what it’s like to be in the spotlight. Even though I’m far less known than Johannes Thingnes Bø and the others, I’ve gotten a taste of it,” Sørum told the local paper.

Better Shooting Needed

“This year, my shooting hasn’t been great. Today, I’m actually quite disappointed. I had the chance to win but rushed my shooting, thinking I needed to shoot quickly. I was probably too eager and didn’t wait until I was fully focused on the target,” Sørum said after narrowly missing the podium in France.

When he shoots clean, very few can match Sørum on the course. It’s unlikely anyone would bet against him claiming a World Cup victory this winter.

While most of his teammates returned to Norway for Christmas, Sørum stayed in Livigno, Italy, for high-altitude training and to reunite with friends from the junior team, Johan-Olav Botn and Mats Øverby.

“I’ve spent a lot of time at altitude and know it works well for me. Of course, I miss family on Christmas Eve, but we enjoyed training and Christmas food at the hotel,” said the 26-year-old.

A Thicker Wallet

Moving from a life of financial struggles to competing at the top of the World Cup has also significantly improved Sørum’s finances.

So far this winter, he has earned over half a million kroner in prize money.

“An athletic career is short, so it’s good to earn well with strong results. The road to making money is also long, and I’m very grateful to the local sponsors who’ve supported me over the years. They’ve made it possible for me to train at altitude frequently.”

Sørum is likely to add more to his earnings this season, but a Biathlon World Championship medal or a World Cup victory is far more valuable to him than money.

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