Thorsten Schröder, the 57-year-old well-known speaker for Tagesschau, recently faced a significant setback when he fractured his clavicle during training for the Norseman Extreme Triathlon, scheduled for August 2, 2025. This accident occurred on Fuerteventura, where he had been preparing for what many describe as one of the toughest triathlons in the world.
Sharing his experience with fans, Schröder took to Instagram, posting, "Ein Sturz, ein Knacken, schon war das Trainingscamp vorbei, bevor es richtig angefangen hatte," which translates to "A fall, a crack, and my training camp was over before it even began." This candid reflection not only captures the abruptness of his injury but also highlights the passion he has for triathlon training.
The Norseman triathlon features grueling challenges including a 3.8 kilometer swim, 180 kilometer bike ride, and marathon running, all set against the stunning backdrop near Bergen, Norway. The event is especially notorious for its elevation gain of over 5,000 meters, testing even the most seasoned athletes.
Despite this unfortunate turn, Schröder remains hopeful about his recovery. He posted another update with optimism, stating, "Statt Leistungsschub auf Fuerte erstmal Pause. Und trotzdem die Hoffnung, am 2.8. fit in den Eidfjord zu springen," which means, "Instead of performance boosts, I will take it easy for now. Yet, I still hope to jump fit at Eidfjord on August 2." His determined spirit shone through, showing fans he is not ready to let this injury define him.
Adding to the impact of this accident, Schröder had to postpone his scheduled reading event on March 13, 2025, in Kiel. This event will now take place on April 17, 2025. He humorously noted on Instagram, "Die Lesung am 27.3. bleibt aber … wenn ich mir nicht noch was anderes breche," meaning, "The reading on March 27 remains, provided I don’t break anything else."
Schröder, who has been with NDR since 1991 and the Tagesschau since 1999, is also known as a sports and travel author. He has previously participated successfully in the Ironman competition both in 2017 and 2022, showcasing his commitment to endurance sports. His book, "Mit jeder Faser – Mein Weg zum härtesten Triathlon der Welt," details his experiences preparing for the Ironman, and he continues to inspire through his writing.
With the Norseman just months away, all eyes will be on Schröder as he navigates his recovery. He is scheduled for surgery on his clavicle, and his fans are surely rooting for him to make the necessary progress to join the formidable competitors on race day.
Even after this injury, Schröder's resolve to continue participating in intense sports remains unshaken, illustrating the heart of true sportsmanship and perseverance. It’s clear he views this setback as just another hurdle on his path, one he is determined to leap over with grit and determination.