Norwegian biathlete Maren Hjelmeset Kirkeeide, 22, is displaying a newfound confidence within her national team, according to recent interviews with teammates. Following a fourth-place finish in the Ruhpolding pursuit race on Sunday, kirkeeide’s colleagues reveal a more outspoken and playful side to the typically reserved athlete, with some predicting she has the potential to become one of the sport’s all-time greats. The shift in demeanor signals a growing comfort level within the team dynamic, according to reports.
Maren Hjelmeset Kirkeeide, 22, finished fourth in the pursuit race in Ruhpolding on Sunday, further solidifying her place among the world’s biathlon elite.
“I think she’ll become the best in the world of all time,” teammate Juni Arnekleiv predicted to TV 2 in November.
“Sending a Few Shots”
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Despite her dominance on the course, the 22-year-old has often appeared modest in interviews. Now, her teammates are revealing a newfound confidence and comfort within the national team environment.
Arnekleiv has noticed a significant change.
“Yes, absolutely. She’s really finding her place now. She’s always seemed shy outwardly, and even within the group, she seemed reserved. She’s definitely not that way anymore,” she said.
AVSLØRER: Juni Arnekleiv liker godt that Maren Hjelmeset Kirkeeide is settling in.
Foto: Sveinung Kyte / TV 2
“She’s starting to speak her mind and playfully rib the guys, things she would never have done a year and a half ago,” Arnekleiv explained.
“Has she warmed up to the team?”
“She has.”
“A Little Devil”
Marthe Kråkstad Johansen, 27, who impressed with an eighth-place finish in Sunday’s pursuit, has also taken notice of the change.
“Yes, I’ve definitely noticed it. It’s fun to see her trying to stir things up. She’s becoming more and more comfortable and confident in herself,” Johansen said.
But she isn’t surprised.
“I’ve been on the team with Maren for a couple of years now. She seems very kind, innocent, and quiet at first, but you quickly realize she has a little devil inside her,” Johansen added with a grin.
«ARTIG»: Marthe Kråkstad Johansen believes Vetlje Sjåstad Christiansen is enjoying the “new” Kirkeeide.
Foto: Geir Olsen / NTB
She believes the male biathletes are enjoying the more outspoken version of their teammate.
“I think they find it a little amusing, especially Vetle. I think he likes to playfully challenge Maren,” she said.
“Getting Pretty Hot”
Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen confirmed this, saying, “Generally speaking, Maren is getting pretty hot. She was quite shy and reserved when she first joined the team, but now she’s started sending some of the best jabs, both at mealtimes and during card games. She doesn’t hold back, and she’s not afraid to use it.”
“What does she say?”
“That’s for her to reveal, haha!”
GLISER GODT: Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen reveals that their relationship with Kirkeeide has become almost sibling-like.
Foto: Sveinung Kyte / TV 2
When asked if Kirkeeide is being truthful about her playful banter, Christiansen fired back.
“She’s practically lying to my face every day. It’s almost to the point where we’re going to start arguing, it’s a bit of a sibling rivalry going on there,” he said, before adding his praise: “It’s fun, Maren is a great girl. Whoever gets her is a lucky guy.”
Kirkeeide’s explanation for becoming more comfortable within the team is one many shy people can relate to.
“I’m a little shy, but once I get to know people, I’m not so shy. I’ve just become more comfortable with the group around me,” she explained.
“Lying Straight to My Face”
When Sjåstad Christiansen hears Kirkeeide claim she’s nearly innocent, he responds.
“She’s lying straight to my face almost every day. It’s on the verge of us starting to argue, a little sibling relationship going on there,” he says, before praising her: “It’s fun, Maren is a nice girl. The guy who gets her is lucky.”
Kirkeeide’s own explanation for why she has opened up in the national team environment is one that many shy people can identify with.
“I am a little shy, but when I get to know people, I am not so shy. I have just become more confident in the group around me,” she explains.
