Thorsten Schrder, the well-known "Tagesschau" presenter and passionate triathlete, has encountered a significant setback following a training accident during his preparations for the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon. The incident, which occurred on the Spanish island of Fuerteventura, left the 57-year-old with a broken collarbone. The injury was severe enough to demand surgical intervention, prompting concerns about his ability to participate in the challenging race scheduled for August 2, 2025, in Norway.
Describing the painful episode, Schrder stated on Instagram, "A fall, a crack, and the training camp was over before it even began." His Instagram post included a video montage where he could be seen initially cycling up a hill, followed by footage of him lying on the ground after his fall. The video concludes with him sipping tea, his left arm immobilized by a sling, demonstrating a spirit of resilience amid injury.
Despite this unfortunate event, Schrder has not lost hope of participating in the Norseman. He expressed his eagerness to recover quickly, saying, "Instead of making progress on Fuerteventura, I am taking a pause. But I still hope to jump fitly at Eidfjord on August 2." Following surgery on his collarbone, he must wait to see how quickly he can resume training.
Though his primary aim is to recover, the injury has forced Schrder to postpone his scheduled reading event set for March 13, 2025, in Kiel. He informed his fans through another Instagram story, noting, "The reading will now take place on April 17, 2025." Fortunately for his supporters, his reading scheduled for March 27, 2025, in Hamburg remains unaffected, adhering to the original schedule.
Schrder, who has been with NDR since 1991 and has been presenting "Tagesschau" since 1999, is on this reading tour to promote his book, "Mit jeder Faser – Mein Weg zum härtesten Triathlon der Welt." The book discusses his personal experiences and training, including his participation in the Ironman events held in Hawaii. His triathlon experiences provide insights and inspiration to fellow enthusiasts and readers.
The Norseman Xtreme Triathlon is known as one of the toughest triathlons globally, boasting more than 5,000 meters of elevation gain. Participants must swim 3.8 kilometers, bike for 180 kilometers, and finish with a marathon run. This uniquely grueling event demands extreme endurance and resilience, making it one of the most sought-after challenges for avid triathletes.
Schrder has previously faced and conquered the Ironman races, including successful completions on two occasions, 2017 and 2022. His impressive dedication to sports and endurance challenges paints him as not just a news presenter but also as someone who deeply engages with his passions outside the studio.
Despite the hiccup caused by his recent injury, plans are still underway for his return to the screen. A spokesperson from NDR confirmed he would resume his duties on the "Tagesschau" starting March 16, 2025, showing his determination to rebound from this setback.
Friends, fans, and followers anxiously await his recovery, wishing him well as he navigates this challenging period. With the surgery looming and rehabilitation on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether he can achieve his goal of participating in the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon later this year. Nevertheless, one thing is certain: Thorsten Schrder's story is far from over, and his enduring spirit continues to inspire those around him.