Ukaleq Slettemark, a 25-year-old biathlete from Greenland, is currently striving to qualify for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics amidst heightened stress due to remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a potential takeover of her country.
Speaking from Ruhpolding, Germany, where she is competing in the biathlon World Cup alongside her brother, Sondre, Slettemark expressed deep concerns over the situation. The prospect of a U.S. takeover has induced fear among her family members, with her aunt experiencing sleepless nights and her mother breaking down in tears at the stadium out of anxiety.
While Ukaleq and her brother currently compete for Greenland in the World Cup, they would represent Denmark at the Olympics if they qualify, as Greenland does not possess its own national Olympic committee. Despite emphasizing her role as an athlete rather than a politician, Slettemark stated that the U.S. threats cannot be disregarded, making it challenging for her to concentrate on training and competitions while worrying about the unfolding events in her homeland.
The ongoing situation has instilled a sense of terror and anger within the Greenlandic community, with talks of potential relocation due to perceived safety concerns. Trump reiterated his intentions to acquire Greenland citing national security reasons, leading to further distress among the Greenlandic populace.
Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark and a NATO ally, has been at the center of the controversy. Slettemark, born in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, hails from a family deeply involved in biathlon, with both her parents being accomplished biathletes.
Despite the unsettling circumstances, Slettemark maintains amicable relations with U.S. athletes and hopes for a resolution that averts the proposed takeover. Drawing parallels to Russian aggression in Ukraine, she expressed the desire for American citizens to urge Congress to halt the acquisition plan, emphasizing the need for diplomacy over forceful actions.
As conversations surrounding the situation intensify within the biathlon community, Slettemark emphasizes the importance of a peaceful resolution, highlighting the potential consequences of aggressive actions on the international stage.