Ukaleq Slettemark, a 25-year-old biathlete from Greenland, faces unprecedented psychological challenges while competing in the Biathlon World Cup in Ruhpolding, Germany. Beyond the typical pressures of Olympic qualification for Milan Cortina 2026, Slettemark contends with growing anxiety stemming from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated assertions about acquiring her homeland.
The athlete described the profound emotional toll on her family, revealing her mother broke down crying at the competition venue and her aunt experiences sleepless nights. “We are imagining the worst-case scenario,” Slettemark confessed to The Associated Press, emphasizing the collective fear permeating Greenland’s community. Some residents reportedly consider relocating due to safety concerns.
Despite competing under Greenland’s banner in World Cup events, the Slettemark siblings would represent Denmark at the Olympics since Greenland lacks sovereign nation status with its own Olympic committee. This complex political reality now intersects with geopolitical tensions as Trump recently reaffirmed his territorial ambitions on social media, citing national security requirements.
The situation creates a peculiar dynamic for Slettemark, who maintains friendships with American athletes while condemning the political rhetoric. She draws parallels between Trump’s statements and Russian aggression in Ukraine, suggesting similar Olympic consequences should apply if the U.S. pursued forceful acquisition. Both her parents being accomplished biathletes—her father competed in the 2010 Olympics and her mother established Greenland’s Biathlon Federation—adds layers to this intersection of athletic pursuit and geopolitical anxiety.