Thorsten Schröder, the well-known presenter for Tagesschau and passionate triathlete, has suffered a significant setback after breaking his collarbone during training for the demanding Norseman Xtreme Triathlon. The accident occurred on the sun-kissed island of Fuerteventura, where Schröder had been honing his skills for one of the most grueling triathlons globally.
Describing his experience on Instagram, Schröder shared, "Ein Sturz, ein Knacken, schon war das Trainingscamp vorbei, bevor es richtig angefangen hatte," translating to, "A fall, a crack, and just like that's, the training camp was over before it really began." This unfortunate incident halted his progress just as he was eager to intensify his preparation for the race scheduled for August 2, 2025, near Bergen, Norway.
Schröder is used to pushing boundaries; he previously completed the Ironman competitions on Hawaii both in 2017 and 2022. This year, he hoped to tackle the Norseman, which demands participants swim 3.8 kilometers, bike for 180 kilometers, and run a full marathon, all with over 5,000 meters of elevation gain. It’s known for its brutal course and challenging weather conditions, making it one of the toughest triathlons worldwide.
Despite his injury, Schröder remains optimistic about the future. He stated, "Statt Leistungsschub auf Fuerte erstmal Pause. Und trotzdem die Hoffnung, am 2.8. fit in den Eidfjord zu springen," which translates as, “Instead of ramping up performance on Fuerte, for now, it’s pause. And still, the hope is to be fit to jump in the Eidfjord on August 2.” His primary focus, he insists, is on healing and recovery before even considering the triathlon.
His current outlook requires patience, as he will need surgery on his collarbone to mend the fracture. While he waits for the doctors to clear him for training, he announced the unfortunate postponement of his reading event scheduled for March 13, 2025, which instead will now occur on April 17, 2025. He reassured his fans, saying, joining him for the reading will still be possible and laid-back as he recovers. His reading on March 27, 2025, in Hamburg remains on schedule, with potential jokes about his luck highlighting his resilient spirit.
Schröder is promoting his book, "Mit jeder Faser – Mein Weg zum härtesten Triathlon der Welt," which details his experiences and challenges on the path to extreme endurance sports. The book offers insights not only about his athletic pursuits but also his personal reflections and the drive behind his sporting ambitions.
The Norseman triathlon was first held in 2003 and has since established itself as the epitome of extreme triathlons, drawing serious competitors from around the globe. The race’s breathtaking landscapes juxtaposed with its physical demands create both allure and respect among athletes. With participants needing to have prepared mentally and physically for months, Schröder's injury is not only disappointing but serves as a sobering reminder of the sport’s unpredictable nature.
Despite this recent setback, sources from NDR have confirmed Schröder’s commitment to continue appearing on Tagesschau, indicating he will return to the screen starting March 16, 2025, shortly after the accident. This statement reflects the continued support from his colleagues and the network, showcasing the confidence they have in his ability to bounce back not just from the injury but as an integral part of the program's lineup.
Thorsten Schröder’s story resonates with anyone who understands the unpredictability of sports and the hurdles athletes face. His resilience and determination to participate continue to shine through, inspiring others facing their challenges. His fans will undoubtedly be following his recovery closely, eager to see him not only return to the news desk but also to the starting line of one of the most demanding races set for later this year.