The golden hero ended up on the coach's 'death list': - Not a list you want to be on
A Norwegian athlete reflects on his experiences with pressure and performance following a key competition, where he achieved gold amidst a personal struggle.
In a recent interview, Norwegian athlete Dale-Skjevdal humorously recounted how he found himself on the 'death list' of coach Siegfried Mazet, a term used jokingly among teammates to denote those under close scrutiny for poor performance. This stark reminder of the pressures faced by athletes comes after Dale-Skjevdal secured a gold medal at the Olympics with an impressive shooting score of 20 hits in the recent mixed start event. Winning the gold has been a significant achievement, especially considering the challenges he has faced over the past year.
Dale-Skjevdal opened up about his struggles with stability in his shooting performance, having frequently appeared on Mazet's watch list. This period of inconsistency highlights the relentless scrutiny athletes endure, with Mazet soon departing from his coaching role at the end of the season, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and high expectations. His influence on the team has been profound, and both Dale-Skjevdal and his teammates acknowledge that while the pressure is intense, the camaraderie and shared experiences make the journey worthwhile.
As the team prepares for the future without Mazet, there are mixed feelings about his 'death list' and the dynamics it brought to training. While the athletes will greatly miss his guidance, they also recognize the necessity of self-improvement and support within the team. This mix of humor and seriousness underscores the competitive spirit that thrives in athletics, as athletes like Dale-Skjevdal continue to strive for excellence amidst personal challenges and expectations.