It's the first time the Slettemark siblings are at the World Championship together. To get to drive together for the first time in a championship was something they were extra happy about.
It was so much fun to compete today. Our goal was to reach the finish line and we did, says Sondre Slettemark, after a 23rd place out of 27 starting teams.
I almost started crying when I saw the Greenlandic flag and the supporters, says Ukaleq Astri Slettemark.
Don't want to drive for USA
They were very proud to represent Greenland at the World Championship.
To have the Greenlandic flag on the cap and to get to show our home country that we're on the international scene, it's so cool, says Sondre Slettemark.
It's fantastic to get to represent our country, especially now considering everything that's happening.
He means, of course, the political situation when USA's president Donald Trump has shown interest in buying Greenland.
For my own part, I'm not interested in representing USA, says Sondre Slettemark.
Jibe at USA
Sebastian Samuelsson says he thinks it's fun that more nations are participating in the major championships. And also throws a jibe at USA, due to the political outbursts:
Trump should watch out, these guys are good at shooting, he says jokingly.
The siblings don't want to represent USA, but they say they'd be happy to represent Denmark at the Olympic Games next year if they qualify.
We're looking forward to that, says Ukaleq Astri Slettemark.
But we hope to get to represent Greenland at the Olympic Games someday in the future. But first, independence talks need to be initiated.
+ Ukaleq Astri Slettemark, 23 years old, has a Junior World Championship gold in 10 km from 2020. Participated in the Olympic Games in Beijing 2022, with a 53rd place as best. Doing her second World Championship, was also present in 2024. Competes in the World Cup and IBU Cup.
+ Sondre Slettemark, 20 years old. Doing his first World Championship. Competes in the World Cup and IBU Cup.
+ The siblings have driven a single mixed relay in the World Cup, in Östersund last season when they came 22nd. At the World Championship in Lenzerheide, they finished 23rd.
+ The siblings are from Nuuk in Greenland but have lived in Lillehammer for a few years with their parents Öystein and Uiloq, who themselves have competed in biathlon at an international level. The family runs Greenland's biathlon association.
