British skier gives drunk interview and admits sinking '12 beers and six shots' in race
A British skier has spoken out after getting himself drunk during a World Cup race in Norway, prompting an outraged reaction. Gabriel Gledhill, 23, was competing with some of the planet's best winter athletes in the 50km cross country event in Holmenkollen over the weekend. The region is well-known for its party atmosphere and Gledhill later admitted to enjoying the festivities a little too much.
He said that he downed more than a dozen beers and a handful of shots, ensuring that he was worse for wear when he crossed the finish line. Unsurprisingly, the man from Suffolk was nowhere near the front of the field, coming home in 67th place out of 75 starters. He was still out on the trail when the women, who started 45 minutes later, came from behind.
Gledhill, who also said he threw up during the race, said afterwards: "I got pretty drunk after a while. It was a lot of fun. We got some strong stuff. I got an offer for Jagermeister, which I accepted.
"It was one of the most fun things I've ever been a part of. I had to take all the offers I got along the way. I'm a bit drunk now, so maybe we'll go to Frognerseteren and then to the city tonight. That's the plan."
His behaviour caused outrage in some quarters, with TV commentator Magnus Drivenes saying: "The men's runners who are caught [by the women], they need to know their visiting hours and get out. They have nothing to do here."
Fellow commentator Petter Skinstad added: "Gledhill, he really likes to show off on social media and on TV. There is also a limit to how long it is fun. I think that limit has been reached now."
The young Brit was also criticised by a fellow athlete, with second-placed finisher Harald Ostberg Amundsen commenting: "He's probably standing here looking for attention.
"I think you can save the party for after the sports event. He could have chosen to be a spectator at Frognerseteren or go skiing. At the same time, if he's going to retire, it's probably okay to have a party."
Gledhill wasn't the only one who had a few beers during the race, though, and he later insisted that he wasn't trying to hog the limelight or disrupt the female skiers.
"I was thinking of doing the last lap of the ski race with someone and then I looked to the left, and there were some ladies walking past, Frida Karlsson and Jessie [Diggins]," he said.
"Then I thought: 'Okay, suddenly I can finish with a group after walking so long alone'. That's why I did it. I haven't ruined anyone else's ski race.
"Jessie was very grateful, and so was Linn Svahn. They worked together to get ahead and catch up with the first group there."
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