According to multiple reports, Hedegart had stated in advance that he would only return to full-time biathlon if he got a place in the elite group. The association did not meet that demand, instead offering a challenger team position. Secretary General Emilie Nordskar said Hedegart did not meet all the athletic requirements for the elite group but would still have access to the top team's coaching resources.
Former biathlon legend Ole Einar Bjørndalen has been making phone calls to key individuals to improve the offer, according to multiple reports. Bjørndalen told Ilta-Sanomat he hoped the association would offer slightly better terms attractive to Hedegart. The decision was met with dismay in Norway. NRK expert Torgeir Bjørn criticized the association for not being more accommodating and adapting its selection criteria. Bjørn said Hedegart's ceiling in biathlon is the sky, as shown by his silver in the sprint at the Norwegian Championships.
Hedegart is a former biathlon top prospect who did not fully break through in the World Cup. He switched to cross-country skiing for the 2025-26 season with sensational results, winning two World Cup races before Christmas. He also won two World Cup races and three medals at the Milan-Cortina Olympics in the 2025-2026 season. Despite his cross-country success, Hedegart has repeatedly stated that he dreams of success specifically in biathlon, and cross-country skiing is only a backup option.