Vasa’s run, which is one of the most famous races in classic skiing, took place in Sweden on Sunday. The Norwegian star Torleif Syrstad (29) was also present at his start, who finished with a considerable lead for the overall first place. However, he was surprised at the finish line by climate activists from the Restore Wetlands movement who stood in his way.
For most fans and athletes, the Vasa run is the most prestigious race in cross-country skiing. It was held for the first time in 1922, and because of the three years that did not take place, this year was the jubilee team. But this time, in addition to well-known names and a great atmosphere, he brought something that no fan or competitor expected.
Torleif Syrstad was the first to appear at the finish line and it seemed that nothing stood between him and the gold medal. However, a group of climate activists tried to change that, who appeared out of nowhere on the track and tried to stop the Norwegian runner.
At the same time, fortunately, several policemen and organizers also started on the track and they quickly dealt with the uninvited guests. In the end, it was enough for Syrstad to easily avoid the activists and with a wreath around his neck he calmly ran to victory.
“I saw that there were activists there. Fortunately, there was a quick response from the people responsible and they got rid of them.” said the winner for the Swedish television SVT. Syrstad also admitted that the situation scared him for a while. “For a few seconds, yes, I thought to myself – “damn”. You can’t really prepare for something like this.” Nor answered the question.
However, there was much more indignation on Swedish television. “This could have gone very wrong. You can’t do something like this at the expense of others,SVT expert Anders Blomquist was angry “I’m angry just looking at it. They could have ruined the fact that the racers are living their dreams here.” added world vice-champion Britta Johansson Norgrenová.
The Restore Wetlands movement allegedly wanted to protest against the sponsors of the Volvo and Preem race, which in the eyes of the members of the movement symbolize the fossil industry that negatively affects the climate.
Activists got in Syrstad’s way. But he still won
Topics: skiing, winner, television, cross-country skiing, blitz sport, activists, Torleif Syrstad, Sweden, Vasův bech, Volvo, Britta Johansson Norgren, Anders Blomquist, Television on Heureka.cz