Hamburg – Thorsten Schröder, the well-known speaker of "Tagesschau," experienced a significant setback during his training for the challenging Norseman Xtreme Triathlon. The 57-year-old presenter suffered a collarbone injury after falling from his bicycle on Fuerteventura, disrupting his rigorous preparation for one of the world's most demanding triathlon events.
On March 11, 2025, Schröder shared details of his accident on Instagram, stating, "Ein Sturz, ein Knacken, schon war das Trainingscamp vorbei, bevor es richtig angefangen hatte," which translates to, "A fall, a crack, and the training camp was over before it even started." This candid moment captured the abrupt end to what was supposed to be intensive training for the grueling competition, taking place on August 2, 2025.
The Norseman Xtreme Triathlon is not for the faint-hearted. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Eidfjord, about 100 kilometers east of Bergen, Norway, participants face the formidable challenge of swimming 3.8 kilometers, cycling 180 kilometers, and running a full marathon – all whilst overcoming more than 5,000 meters of altitude. The event is renowned for its tough terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, factors which add to its perilous reputation as one of the hardest triathlons globally.
Despite the seriousness of his injury, Schröder remains hopeful. He conveyed his thoughts on recovery, 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 enhancement, it's time to rest. Yet still, I hope to bounce back and jump fit to the Eidfjord on August 2." His determination to participate showcases his resilience as both an athlete and public figure.
Schröder plans to undergo surgery for his collarbone injury, with recovery being his current priority. "Das Wichtigste: gesund werden!" he emphasized, translating to, "The most important thing is to get healthy!" This mantra reflects his awareness of the physical demands of the upcoming race and the need to prioritize his long-term health.
The accident has not only impacted his athletic pursuits but also his public engagements. A reading event scheduled for March 13, 2025, in Kiel has been postponed to April 17, 2025, due to his injury. Schröder will still conduct his reading tour, presenting his book titled "Mit jeder Faser – Mein Weg zum härtesten Triathlon der Welt" which chronicles his experiences and the path leading up to his first Ironman race.
Schröder's dedication to his sport is unequivocal. He has previously participated successfully in Ironman competitions, most recently achieving finishes at the prestigious Ironman events held in Hawaii in both 2017 and 2022. His passion for triathlons and cycling has made him not just an authority on news but also on endurance sports.
A spokesperson from NDR announced he will be returning to the "Tagesschau" on March 16, 2025, with his commitment to journalism remaining strong, even as he navigates through his injury recovery. "Der Zuschauer kann sich auf seine Rückkehr freuen," indicating viewers can look forward to his return as he continues to inform and engage with the public on pressing news stories.
Although faced with this unfortunate accident, Thorsten Schröder’s spirit remains unbroken as he strives for recovery and to fulfill his goals both on the triathlon course and as the trusted voice of "Tagesschau." His story is one of resilience, determination, and the undying passion for sport as he prepares for what lies ahead. With the support of fans and colleagues, there is hope he will overcome the odds and make his way to the Eidfjord, ready to take on the Norseman challenge.