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Who’s the Man? Answer: Espen Harald Bjerke Following Record Breaking O2 Test
Published: Wed May 18, 2005 12:00 AM MDT Source: Langrenn.com 
The measuring unit ddin't stop before Bjerke had reached a fantastic 96 milliliter/kg. The liter volume was an equally incredible 7.3-liter. - This is totally psycho, the first I yelled when I spat out the mouthpiece after the test was; who’s the man?, says a very satisfied Bjerke. There was no doubt that the man was Bjerke, and Espen Harald couldn’t believe it when he heard the final number. – This is incredible, it’s among the best in the World regardless of sport, says Bjerke whom now is tied with the greatest of them all. Bjorn Daehlie is the one that previously has tested equally high, but the competitor in Bjerke would have preferred to not have been beaten by anyone. - Imagine if I had reached 97, I would have been alone at the top, he jokes. Erlend Hem was also very excited after the test and needed according to Bjerke to sit down for a while, since he had only seen this number once before. The equipment was working as it should, and others that were tested had normal values. Bjerke has been in good shape lately, something he showed in last weekends Holmenkollen running relay (Norway’s largest running relay on pavement with 16 runners on each team and leg distances from 350 meters to 3000 meter), where he had the second fastest time on the second longest uphill leg. He made big improvement last winter and his best World Cup result was fourth in Estland. His best previous O2 test was 85 Ml from 2-3 years ago. His liter volume also improved by one liter. - It’s clear that this test reflects the results from the winter and the progress I have made, says an always in good mood and joking Espen Harald Bjeke Editors comment: We are not sure at what time of year Bjorn Daehlie was tested to 96 milliliter, but testing this high/setting records in early May seems unusual. Most athletes would normally have their highest values at the start of the season or ideally mid-season at championship time. It’s unclear what Bjerke has done for training and racing following the end of the World Cup season, but most skiers typically tapers off on both volume and intensity at this time of year. This could make you feel good, but not raise your O2. It would have been interesting to know what Bjerke’s O2 was two month ago. Was it 97-100? What will we see in the future? 
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