Thorsten Schröder, the well-known Tagesschau presenter and passionate triathlete, recently faced a severe setback when he fractured his collarbone during training for the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, one of the most grueling endurance events worldwide. The incident occurred on Fuerteventura, where the 57-year-old was preparing for the race scheduled for August 2, 2025.
Schröder took to Instagram to share his experience, noting, "Vollbremsung auf dem Weg zum Norseman: Ein Sturz, ein Knacken, schon war das Trainingscamp vorbei, bevor es richtig angefangen hatte," which translates to, "Full stop on the way to Norseman: A fall, a crack, the training camp was over before it even started." Accompanying this message was a video showing his training progress: cycling up hills, lying on the ground post-fall, and finally enjoying tea with his arm resting in a sling.
Despite the injury, Schröder remains hopeful about his chances of competing at the Eidfjord, emphasizing the importance of health with his statement, "Das Wichtigste: gesund werden!"—meaning, "The most important thing is to get healthy!" This spirit of determination is evident as he continues to plan for his recovery, which will include surgery and then, he hopes, a return to training.
The Norseman Xtreme Triathlon is known for its tough demands, requiring participants to swim 3.8 kilometers, bike 180 kilometers, and run a full marathon—all against the backdrop of steep elevations exceeding 5,000 meters. Schröder, who has successfully competed in Ironman races, including those held in Hawaii, trained rigorously for this challenge, which has earned its reputation as one of the hardest triathlons globally.
Reflecting on his circumstances, Schröder humorously noted his postponed public reading scheduled for March 13, 2025, stating, "Die Lesung am 27.3. bleibt aber … wenn ich mir nicht noch was anderes breche," translating to, "The reading on March 27th remains… if I don’t break something else." His reading has now been rescheduled for April 17, 2025, illustrating how he juggles personal challenges with his professional commitments.
Fortunately, his responsibilities with the Tagesschau remain unaffected—his network reported he will return to presenting starting March 16, 2025. This reassurance may delight both his viewers and supporters, who know Schröder not only as their evening news anchor but also as a fiercely dedicated athlete.
Staying active within the community, Schröder has long been involved with sports, particularly triathlons, and has authored several books about his experiences, including "Nachrichten vom Ironman" and "Mit jeder Faser – Mein Weg zum härtesten Triathlon der Welt." Alongside these endeavors, his passion for fitness and sport shines through, which he hopes will guide him through this recovery period.
Schröder serves as an inspiration to many, deftly balancing his career and athletic pursuits, never backing down from challenges. With ample support from fans and the commitment to his health, he has expressed optimism about participating alongside the other 250 contestants overcoming the intense courses of the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon.
He noted, "Statt Leistungsschub auf Fuerte erstmal Pause," meaning, "Instead of boosts to performance, for now, it’s all about taking a break." It's this application of prudence during pain, paired with his unwavering dedication, which sets Schröder apart. Fans across the nation, along with those awaiting his return to racing, can only hope he finds strength and health as he navigates this brief interlude.
For now, Schröder prioritizes his recovery, waiting patiently for the next opportunity to jump back onto his bike and back onto the racecourse—wherever it may be. His social media presence will likely stay active as he shares this next chapter of his life, one laden with tenacity and perseverance.