The talented Norwegian forward, who has already scored 11 goals in seven games for Borussia Dortmund this season, is also a world record holder for the longest standing long jump for 5-year-old’s. No, really.
Following his heroics against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday night, where he bagged both goals in a 2-1 win, Twitter user @AndreOstgaard uncovered the remarkable stat surrounding his athletics career.
As a youngster, 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.
And it was the latter where the youngster 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 Haaland 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.”
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.” Alfie 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.
Source: sportbible.com
