While both Marte Olsbu Røiseland and Tiril Eckhoff have announced their retirements, there is a “cry” for new profiles on the women’s side in Norwegian biathlon.
On the stairs stands a fearless 24-year-old from Dombås ready to fill the void left by the two stars.
– I think it’s a lot of fun. I’m not used to that. So as soon as I hear I’m going to have an interview, I’m excited.
This is how Juni Arnekleiv answers the question about what she thinks about the increased attention she has received after she was thrown into the WC a month ago.
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With good results after she has been able to show herself on the big stage, both the hope and the desire for an elite place for next season have increased considerably.
– I feel I have submitted a good application for that place now with many good ski races at the end of the season and have kept a good form really since the New Year, says an offensive Arnekleiv.
The 24-year-old, who came straight from the IBU Cup into the WC, has Marte Olsbu Røiseland as one of her great role models. And when asked if she herself could imagine becoming the next Røiseland, Arnekleiv answers eagerly:
– Absolutely!
– What are you going to do to manage it?
RELAY WINNER: Juni Arnekleiv was part of the team that won the relay in Östersund in the previous World Cup round. Photo: ANDERS WIKLUND
– It’s just training and having fun. Marte has shown a lot of joy in biathlon and that it is not just a job. So it’s important to have a lot of fun on the road.
Praised by the biathlon masters
Arnekleiv has managed to make his mark in the national team in a short time. Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen sees a difference between the women’s and men’s sides in Norwegian biathlon.
WC debut: Arnekleiv was in Oberhof as a reserve, but suddenly got the chance to race. There she made a big impression. Photo: Marte Christensen / TV 2
– With us guys, it’s like many who just take their place regardless of whether they don’t deserve it, they just have to have it, says Sjåstad Christiansen and laughs before he continues:
– The girls have been a little more cautious, but now young, offensive players like Juni are coming up who are taking their place and we appreciate that.
Tarjei Bø thinks Arnekleiv can be the one to take over after Røiseland and Eckhoff.
– She is a budeie from Dombås with a bone in her nose. She is cool, aggressive and has the right attitude. She is the right type to take over the baton.
Johannes Thingnes Bø is also fascinated by the offensiveness of the 24-year-old.
– Juni is the best girl in the world. She is an extremely cool lady. Offensive, funny and gets along well with everyone, both on the men’s and women’s teams. So I really have to hope that she gets a boost, because I think she can in many ways become a kind of glue between the women’s and men’s teams, says Thingnes Bø.
– A bit like Marte has been?
– Yes, in a way. A bit the same.
Northug: – We need it now
TV 2 expert Petter Northug knows most about being a big profile in sports. He believes Arnekleiv has all the prerequisites to succeed.
– Juni seems fearless and she seems like she thrives in this World Cup circus. If you do that, the prerequisites for success are much greater than if you are afraid. Everything is possible for Juni, says Northug and points out the importance of young athletes like Arnekleiv making a mark now:
– We need this, and we need it now. Especially in this period here when two big stars give up. It is often what separates the best from the second best as well, the fact that you dare to speak out loud. That’s how it should be.
Being a profile is something Arnekleiv has absolutely nothing against.
– I feel I am good at showing the joy of biathlon and not just that you have to train and deliver results. You have to have a bit of fun as well, otherwise I don’t really have faith that you will be good, says Arnekleiv with a smile.
