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Erling Haaland Is A World Record Holder In Athletics Event

Erling Haaland Is A World Record Holder In Athletics Event

Haaland's father Alf-Inge used to "test" Erling by taking him to play a range of sports, including cross-country skiing and athletics.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Erling Haaland isn't just one of the most exciting prospects in football.

The talented Norwegian forward, who has already scored 37 goals in 34 games for Borussia Dortmund this season, is also a world-record holder for the longest standing long jump for a five-year-old.

Following his efforts against Sevilla in the Champions League on Tuesday night, where he bagged both goals in a 2-2 draw, many praised his incredible speed, athleticism and raw power.

The 20-year-old was showcasing these talents a long time ago, though, and Twitter user @AndreOstgaard uncovered this remarkable stat surrounding his athletics career as a youngster.

When he was a kid, Haaland's father Alf-Inge used to "test" Erling by taking him to play a range of sports, including cross-country skiing, handball and athletics.

It was the latter where Haaland excelled. In fact, he recorded the world record for the longest standing long jump for a 5-year-old on January 22nd, 2006, where he jumped 1.63 metres.

Alfe-Inge explained his decision to "test" Erling in an interview with Dagbladet.

"It was before he started playing football," he said. "We used to take him to athletics so he could test himself. Erling played handball, athletics and cross-country skiing til he turned 14.

"Norway's handball manager wanted him to play handball."

Erling Braut Haaland holds the world record for the longest standing long jump for 5-year-old's. Image: age-records
Erling Braut Haaland holds the world record for the longest standing long jump for 5-year-old's. Image: age-records

That's right. Icelandic coach Thorir Hergeirsson wanted Erling to play handball instead of football but of course, football was his destiny.

"I thought it was nice to play tennis and handball next door." Alf-Inge said when talking about his son's love of sports at an early age.

"Versatility is important. You get to develop completely different sides of the body, and that can be positive no matter what you do."

Can Haaland go on and break records in football?

It certainly looks like he has the potential to be a future Ballon d'Or winner.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football, Erling Haaland, Borussia Dortmund, Champions League, Athletics