From World Cup winner to a non-contender in just two weeks: “Something is wrong,” says the 27-year-old Norwegian Endre Strømsheim, who dominated the world’s elite at the start of the season.

While his national team colleagues use the Christmas season to sharpen their form, last year’s breakout star has been resting at home—and still is. For Endre Strømsheim, this Christmas is a stark contrast to last year when he was in peak form.

After securing his first career podium in the World Cup in Lenzerheide just before Christmas, Strømsheim joined a high-altitude training camp with several teammates to prepare for the first World Cup round of the new year. It paid off, as the recruit-team star claimed his first individual World Cup victory by winning the pursuit in Oberhof.

All signs pointed to another stellar season: The 27-year-old was in exceptional shape during the season opener at Sjusjøen in November and the World Cup opener in Kontiolahti two weeks later. Everything seemed on track.

“The season started very well, both at Sjusjøen and with a win in the first individual World Cup race. I thought I had timed everything perfectly this year,” says Strømsheim.

Sudden Decline

But then his body stopped responding. His form seemed to plummet.

The World Cup round in Hochfilzen in mid-December was a rollercoaster. Strømsheim finished fourth in the sprint but fell to 28th in the subsequent pursuit.

The following week in Annecy, France, was a disaster. He placed 35th in the sprint.

What happened in Hochfilzen?

“Good question. I had one good and one bad result. I was fourth in the sprint, just seven seconds off the win, which surprised me because I didn’t feel great during the race. Then I got confirmation the next day that my form was far from good.”

Strømsheim chose to compete in Annecy the weekend before Christmas but returned home immediately after the first race.

“Day-to-day form can vary, and I had three rest days before the sprint in France. But when my body didn’t work there either, I was certain something was wrong,” he says, adding:

“When your form is heading in the wrong direction, racing more is the wrong medicine.”

Persistent Imbalance

Strømsheim reveals that his body has been out of balance since the World Cup opener in Finland. His resting heart rate is elevated, and his overall form has been poor, with no clear or logical reasons.

“My body hasn’t been functioning. I don’t know what’s wrong. There have been vague signs but nothing definitive. When it lasts this long, something is clearly off, and you need to rest,” he explains, adding that he’s undergone comprehensive blood tests and medical checks to rule out illness.

What’s next?

“What’s done is done. My body isn’t right, so I need to rest until I’m back to normal. When I’m in balance, I can handle a lot of training.”

Dismissing Training as the Cause

Strømsheim is among several Norwegian biathletes who have adopted alternative training approaches inspired by triathlon and track and field. These methods include intense periodization, strict intensity management, and high-volume training, with some days involving 12–14 hours of activity.

Despite this, he doesn’t believe his training regimen is to blame.

“If it were the training, it would feel more muscular. This feels different—it’s like my system is struggling.”

Eyes on Oberhof and Lenzerheide

Looking ahead, Strømsheim aims to return to form for the Oberhof World Cup in mid-January and the World Championships in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, in February.

“The World Championships are a big goal. I have great memories from both Oberhof and Lenzerheide,” he says.

However, competition for the six spots on the World Championship team is fierce, making the next two World Cup rounds critical. After the Ruhpolding races (January 15–19), the team will be finalized.

The World Championships in Lenzerheide will take place from February 12–23.

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