Slettemark siblings thank you for your support

With the iconic Olympic rings as a backdrop, Sondre and Ukaleq Slettemark stand shoulder to shoulder. The Italian winter air is crisp, but their smiles are warm and broad. Here, in the middle of the Olympic backdrop at the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, they send a greeting back home to Greenland.

– The Olympics have been the best feeling in the whole world, says Sondre, who fought his way to a 54th place in the men's pursuit.

However, for the sibling pair, it's about more than rankings and scoreboards. It's about coming from Greenland and standing on the biggest stage in sports.

– Coming from Greenland and being able to show our flag to the biggest audience in the world is really cool – and something we are proud of, Ukaleq elaborates.

After intense competition days and great moments, they now take the time to stop. Not to analyze times or accuracy – but to say thank you.

– It is really cool that there are so many from Greenland following along and cheering for us, says Ukaleq with a big smile.

Sondre nods and continues:

– Yes, we really appreciate that. We are here competing under the Danish flag, but of course we ourselves feel that we are representing Greenland to the highest degree.

The support from home has been clear. Messages, comments and congratulations have poured in from all over the country. From coast to coast, an entire nation has followed their race, kilometre by kilometre. It is precisely this support that elevates their achievements to something greater than sport. Sondre and Ukaleq represent not only themselves, but a Greenlandic story of perseverance, community and dreams that reach far beyond the ice sheet.

– We hope that many will continue to follow us in the World Cups in the future, and we hope that we can inspire people to take up biathlon or winter sports, laughs Ukaleq.

Sondre breaks in with an even bigger laugh:

– The Olympics are certainly highly recommended.

In front of the five rings – the symbol of the world’s largest sporting community – they stand as siblings, athletes and role models. And while the Olympic flame burns in Italy, pride and support live strong at home in Greenland.