Daniel Böhm interview

Today we travel back to one of the biggest nation in the world of biathlon. We visit Germany again and after Erik Lesser, now we have interview with Daniel Böhm.

BFH: Dear, Daniel, thank you to accept our interview request. How are you? How do you spend your preparation time?

Daniel: Hi, I‘m pretty fine until now and really satisfied with the first 3 months of the preparation. We did a lot of endurance-training on the bike, in running or on the rollerskis and also absolved several hours of strength training. In the upcoming weeks the intensive sessions will come more and more to increase the speed.

BFH: You had a fantastic season in last year. You were 2nd in the IBU Cups total score, and in Oslo after a good result you were getting into a mass start competition. How can you summarize your season? Are you satisfied with your performance?

Daniel: The facts may sound quite acceptable on the first view but honestly I was not really satisfied with the season because my skiing-performance was really bad and absolutely not competitive. I did some mistakes during the summer and was really tired in the season. The positive thing was that I could develop in the shooting part what saved some good results. It was not easy to switch the focus completely on the shooting range but in the end I was able to handle it well.

BFH: After your good results I think you have chance to stabilize yourself in the A-team. Is it a possible goal for you for the next season?

Daniel: This absolutely the main goal for the next season. It is the Olympic season and I want to give everything to be part of the German team in Sotchi 2014. I know that I can reach this goal by working concentrated and clever in the training to develop on the tracks and by keeping up the level of the last season at the shooting range.

BFH: In 2009 in Vancouver you reached your best result in a World Cup race in Vancouver. In the individual you came in 2nd position, and you defeated the biggest names. Are you good memories from this race?

Daniel: This was really a great day for me. I remember that I felt not good in the morning and was tired from the jetlag but the conditions were perfect with -5 degrees and sun, so it was not hard to motivate for the race. I felt great on the tracks, had super-fast skis and was relaxed and secure at the shooting range. All the important parts of a race came together at this day. Remembering that race still gives me motivation and power to keep on working.

BFH: What's your main goal in your career? Have you ever think about it?

Daniel: The main goal is to reach my personal best. I guess it‘s not easy to say what this is worth because I never felt like I reached my limit. I want to be able to fight for top-results over a whole season and to win a medal at a big event!

BFH: When did you start your career, and what was your best and your worse memories?

Daniel: I started with xc-skiing when I was 6 and changed to biathlon at the age of 12. During a sports-career you have a lot of good and bad memories and it‘s often like a rollercoaster and seldom just straight up. The best memories are for sure victories like the junior-champs, the individual in Whistler or the relay in Antholz 2011. The worst memories are mostly combined with injuries or sickness like 2011, when I started to train in April really motivated after a good season and broke my hand at a crash. Then you need a lot of power to fight!

BFH: Biathlon have a lot of competitions like sprint, individual, pursuit, mass start, relay. Which is your favourite and why?

Daniel: Every race has it‘s special „character“. I prefer the pursuit and mass start because you can fight face to face and it‘s four times shooting. And for sure relays are always something special because you compete as a team, which has a special spirit.

BFH: Biathlon have a very big popularity in Germany. I suppose to be a German biathlete is a very good feeling, but also responsibility. Do you agree?

Daniel: We have a good situation in Germany as athletes and especially biathlon is quite popular. This means that we get paid for the sport and can concentrate 100% on the training. To have a responsibility can be a weight on your shoulders but it‘s also a great chance to motivate and inspire young people to get out and fight for a goal.

BFH: In the summer season will you start in any competition? Do you go to the WCH to Italy?

Daniel: We have the Nationals in september on rollerskis with 6 races in 10 days. Some of the team will go to Püttlingen but I guess too many competitions in the summer are not good for the training. So I will just do the Nationals.

BFH: Now, please tell to us something about you. What do you usually like to do when you have some free times? Have you got some hobbies?

Daniel: Honestly there is not so much time for many hobbies but I like to be outside in the nature to relax and switch off. This can be climbing, hiking in the mountains or ski-touring in the winter. Beside this I like to read and just to relax or to meet some friends.

BFH: We would like to thank you the inteview, and we wish all the best for you. Finally, have you got some special message to the Hungarian fans?

Daniel: You‘re welcome! I don‘t know so much about the situation of biathlon in Hungary but it‘s nice to have athletes from all over the world, so keep on working hard and enjoy what you‘re doing!!

We hope the best for Daniel during his career!

Photo: Jarle Vines (Creative Commons Attribution Sharealike 3.0)

Susan Dunklee interview

We had interviews from Canada and from the USA, but we don’t stop to introduce the athletes from North America. Why? Because they are all very sympathic and have real passion for biathlon. Let’s talk now with the promising US talent, Susan Dunklee!

BFH: Susan, let’s move back to the year 2008, your move to Lake Placid and the US Biathlon’s development program. It was only 5 years ago when you learnt how to shoot! How do you remember this time? Did you thought that you will need only 4 years to reach a top 5 position in a WCH (Ruhpolding, individual, 2012)?

Susan: In spring of 2008, I was graduating college with a degree in ecology and I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Then I got an unexpected email from US Biathlon offering me a place on their development team in exchange for a 100% commitment to training. I had never shot before but they promised to teach me how. I had a difficult time deciding what to do. Ski racing had always been important to me, but in school I had pursued many other interests too. Concentrating all my resources and energy into racing was scary- I had to put aside those other interests. It was also exhilarating to try something new- I had no idea what shooting training would be like or whether I could do it well. My father, a two time Olympian in cross country skiing, gave me some great words of advice: "If you don't try it, you are always going to wonder 'what if?' " I knew he was right. I certainly never expected to be standing on stage at a World Championships awards ceremony less than four years later.

BFH: What were your feelings after you crossed the finish line in that race? You started with bib nr 1: when you arrived you had to wait a long time to celebrate… Did you thought that your performance will bring you such a good position (which meant actually the best result ever by a US woman)?

Susan: When I saw my name at the top of the start list the night before the race, I wasn't happy. Earlier in the week, I had been the very last starter in the sprint (bib 118). I normally prefer starting in the middle of the pack. However, starting first helped me get in the zone and ski my own pace. I knew I was shooting well, but I had no idea where I was ranked until the fourth lap. Skiing under a jumbotron I heard the announcer say "...surprise race leader so far, American Susan Dunklee..." My heart jumped up into my throat. All I could do at that point was just focus on putting one foot in front of the other. The last loop I was fighting for a medal and it was like skiing through a continuous tunnel of sound- the cheering had doubled in volume. At the finish I didn't know exactly where I would end up, but I knew that I had just had the best race of my life and that felt great!

BFH: What were your best moments of your last season?

Susan: For the second year in a row, my most memorable race of the season was the World Championships Individual. I wanted to have a magical day in Nove Mesto- the Ruhpolding result from the previous year was still fresh in my mind and this year the Individual was on my birthday. I shot well and was in the top 10 for much of the last loop, but I was too aggressive and crashed on the big downhill. I broke my custom rifle stock. It was very disappointing but things turned out okay. Even though I lost time and didn't finish in the top 10, I placed 15th and met US Biathlon's prequalification standard for the Olympic Team (2 top 15s). Anschütz and my coach helped me fix my rifle stock before the relay- we replaced the broken part with a piece of wood from a range broom handle. It was a unique and interesting project. I didn't miss any targets in the relay- the broom wood helped me "clean" my first World Cup race.

BFH: Tell us a few words about Sochi: the course, the accomodation, the Olympic spirit… You (and also Annelies) did a great individual there!

Susan: The Sochi course is not a typical World Cup biathlon course. It has bigger, tougher, more technical hills. Many athletes didn't approve of it. Our team approached the Sochi World Cup ready to adapt and to make that course "our course." I think that showed in our results.

BFH: You wrote on your site: „Our women’s relay team achieved a top ten finish in 2013 and we know we are still capable of more. To do this, we need every individual performing at their highest potential. We push each other in practice all year long in order to bring out each individual’s best, and we know we must be there for each other during this challenging but exciting year. We are a strong team.” I am sure that this confidence in yourself and in your team will bring you a successful Olympic Games. You think even a medal is possible for you?

Susan: On both our men's and women's team, I believe we have multiple people capable of medaling if they have a perfect day, myself included.

BFH: We talked already with Annelies that your team is a real family. Tell us one special thing that you regularly do during the winters as a team? For example cooking or birthday parties, whatever…

Susan: We do cook on occasion and we always celebrate birthdays for all of our athletes, coaches, wax techs, etc. Last summer in Oberhof we borrowed Andrea's kitchen to bake a flourless chocolate birthday cake. Baking in Europe is often an adventure- for example the measuring cups are in different units than we are used to and there are no chocolate chips (an American staple) in the grocery store. We have to be creative.
I think my favorite team memories come around the dinner table, especially in a place like Antholz where we all eat together around one big long table. Those meals are several courses long, so we have lots of time to get into deep discussions or just joke around. I always leave the dinner table feeling great because I have laughed so much.

BFH: Tell us a few words about your last couple of months! If I know well you had some very special trip between the trainings: Hollywood, Alaska…

Susan: I had a busy April. I did some cross country ski races in northern California and got to race against top athletes like Kikkan Randall and Jessie Diggins. The US women's Nordic program has had incredible success the last few years and their results help inspire the biathlon team too. I find it is helpful to race and train with them on occasional.
Then I went up to arctic Alaska to teach skiing to kids in an Inupiat Eskimo village through a program called NANANordic. The area is so remote that we had to fly in on a small bush plane because there are no roads. I stayed in a school for a week with other volunteer instructors. The kids loved the program- they were always happy to see us (we would get "death by hugging" first thing in the morning) and it was hard to convince them to take off their skis at the end of the day. While we were there, we tried all sorts of local foods like caribou, whale blubber and arctic swan. When that program finished, I traveled down to southern California for an Olympic media day in Hollywood. Coming from the arctic, that was a huge culture shock. It was hard to believe I was still in the same country.

BFH: Where are you and what are you doing now? What is the training plan for the following couple of months?

Susan: During the summer, I split my time training between Lake Placid, New York (site of the 1980 Olympics and head quarters of the National Team) and Craftsbury, Vermont (the ski club that I grew up in.) Every couple weeks, I switch locations. I like training in Lake Placid because the team and coaches are there, and the facilities are great. However, Craftsbury is home and it is my favorite place in the world. It is a small, rural village with farms, green hills, outdoorsy people and a great sense of community. I am part of a local professional team of skiers and rowers called the "Craftsbury Green Racing Project." In between training sessions, we work on projects promoting sustainability and endurance sports in our local community. It's important to have something meaningful to focus on besides training all the time.

BFH: You wrote that in Nove Mesto „we were all very surprised by the number of spectators that came to watch the races- it felt a lot like Ruhpolding or Oberhof.” Do you have some special memories of the Hungarian fans? Maybe from your birthday?

Susan: Yes, I remember the Hungarian fans are very enthusiastic singers. As I left the finishing pen, they called me over and sang Happy Birthday. Thanks guys, that was a wonderful end to a special day!

Thank you for your answers and the specially dedicated bib from Nove Mesto!!! We wish you all the best for the preparation!!!

Panagiota Tsakiri interview

Today we travel to South again. Our next target is the always sunny Greece, a little nation again. We have interview with a pretty young woman who is just 23 years old, but already have memories from Winter Olympic Games. Yes, today we asked Panagiota Tsakiri.

BFH: Dear Giota, thank you to accept our request. How are you now, and how do you spend your summer?

Giota:.Thank you for your request and your interest! The world of biathlon are mostly interested in the dominant athletes and countries, so it was such a nice surprise that you wanted to know about my little story.
I am very good, spending the summer with my family in my hometown, here in Greece.

BFH: Will we see you in some summer competition or you prepare yourself only for the winter season?

Giota:.I am getting ready to start at the Rollerski World Cup in Tripoli, Greece, during next weekend. There are also some international and Balkan biathlon races during summer that I would like to race, as it would be good chances for training, but that depends on our federation’s financial support.

BFH: You are very young, but you already took part in Olympic Games. You started in Vancouver in two competitions. You were only 19. What did you feel? How did you live it? Please tell us some words about your feelings...

Giota:.Vancouver was my 2nd Olympic experience. The first time was in Torino 2006 where I competed in cross country. Words are not enough to describe such an experience…I was just 16 years old back then and thrilled to have accomplished to qualify for the Olympics, so I really enjoyed it.
The Olympic Games in Vancouver were very special to me. I qualified and started in biathlon but I had with me the most special teammate; my father! After a great career of 26 years in CC and biathlon, he accomplished his 5th Olympic participation and we managed to achieve the World Record of “father & daughter racing together in Winter Olympic Games”. I have never felt prouder before, no matter which were our standings after finish, anyway we are not professionals. The most important thing is participation. And my Olympic participations are the most amazing experiences I have ever had!

BFH: You raced there and also race now with the biggest names in the World like Magdalena Neuner, Tora Berger, Olga Zaitseva, Helena Ekholm, Kaisa Mäkäräinen etc. ... Have you ever got plus motivation during the races and the trainings?

Giota:.Yes, I did have the honor of racing together with great athletes. I admire them and their effort and always feels so huge and exciting to race together with so successful biathletes.

BFH: Next year is an Olympic season too. How do you see your chances for Sochi?

Giota:.Unfortunately, my chances for biathlon for Sochi are small. Until now, I do not have any female teammates able to race with me in World Championships so Greece’s Nation Cup Score is poor in comparison to other countries. Moreover, IBU allows only to the first 28 countries to compete in the Olympic Games which is quite disappointing...Olympic Games are the greatest celebration for the sport and all countries should be able to compete.
Although, I am not giving up and I am going to prepare myself as good as possible for the upcoming winter.

BFH: What's your B-plan? What objectives would you like to perform in the next season? Where can your fans meet with you?

Giota:.My B-plan is cross-country skiing. I was always racing in cross-country races together with biathlon. Therefore, during season 2013/14 I would like to compete in the three IBU Cups before Christmas as well as in some cross-country competitions in order to try my chances in cross-country for Sochi. Although, my schedule is not fixed yet as it depends on the financial support from our federation and my time off from work!

BFH: When did you start your career, and why did you choose specially biathlon? What was your most memorable moments in your career?

Giota:.I started cross-country skiing in 2004 at the age of 14 and biathlon in 2008. My mother and father were biathletes, actually my father is still active so he “is” a biathlete for more than 25 years now. He encouraged me to give it a try and I realized how interesting and exciting biathlon was. My qualification for Vancouver Winter Olympic Games together with the person who was the reason to start biathlon, my teammate, my trainer and my father is the most memorable moment in my career.

BFH: Greece is also a little nation in biathlon. Is this sport popular in your country? How do you train? Are any condition perfect to prepare yourself successfully?

Giota:.Biathlon is not popular in Greece. We do have some small mountains and Greeks are aware of skiing but Hellas is not a country with tradition in winter sports. There is NO shooting range, our training camps are less and shorter due to national financial problems, there are not funds for ammunition, so conditions are not that unique. Me, as well as my teammates are not professionals, each one of us has studies, work etc. And we may not be among the leading countries or athletes, our chances in preparation may not be the same, but we do share a common thing; our love and passion for the sport.

BFH: The union between the athletes of little nation is more stronger than the top athletes. With which nations do you have the best relationship? Who is your best friend from the athletes?

Giota:.That’s true! We also help each other during competitions as we share the same shooting lanes and wax rooms. So, we get closer and we become friends. Unfortunately, due to university studies and work I did not spend a very long time during winter season together with the other athletes, until now. But I can tell that it is always very nice to see our biathlon friends from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Bosnia, Turkey, Nederlands, Spain, Greenland and of course Hungary(!) who where cheering for me in the tracks this year in Nove Mesto and I am grateful for that!

BFH: How did you spend your rest time in spring? You traveled to somewhere, or you were with your friends and family? What do you usually like to do?

Giota:.Spring was half work and half studies time for me. I had long exams as I am about to finish with my university studies in Physical Education. Now, having more free time, I will focus on the summer preparation and hoping that I will have some days off for summer holidays in Greek islands during August
I really love spending time with my family and good friends, I enjoy popcorn and movies and alpine skiing as well as other sports in the nature.

BFH: We'd like to say thank you again, we hope you a good preparation and a sucessful season. Finally, have you got some special messages to the Hungarian fans?

Giota:.Thank you for your interest! Keep sharing your love for the sport and I hope to see each other on the tracks!
Greetings from Greece!!!
Panagiota Tsakiris

Special thanks for this picture, because it was made specially for us in today morning's training!

Megan Imrie interview

„I need your help” – writes Megan Imrie on her personal website. Why? How? We ask her now and try to help – because the Canadian team is one of the most sympathic one!

Megan, quite actual information that Biathlon Canada has financial problems and you, the athletes have to find sponsors in order to have all the necessary things to be successful in Sochi. Can you explain us this strange situation?

Biathlon Canada is a very small organization when compared to other winter Olympic sports in Canada. The organization has not attracted sponsors, and isn’t funded to the extent that is needed. Not even close. This means the athletes must pay for coaching, training, and facilities with a National Team Fee, and for racing tours in the winter. Myself, nor my family has money enough to pay for these huge expenses. So I have no choice but to try to find money with sponsors or through something like www.pursu.it

To tell you the truth in Hungary our athletes have the same problem – but for us seems incredible that in a two times Winter Olympic country you can be in such a financial situation. What can be the solution? How can we help you?

The more people who know about www.pursu.it, the better. Donations or sponsorship through pursu.it , or letting people know about the website who might donate, is the easiest way to help. The other is to support your own biathlon team. The more biathlon works as a community to better their associations, the more we will grow as individual nations.

You had better and better results and two top 20 finish in the 2011/2012 season. You skipped the last season – can you tell us the reason?

I had a tough training year that stressed my immune system to the max. In training I was often sick or even injured. I think it was too much training, too little recovery. This caused a bunch of medical issues (hormone levels, blood values, major fatigue) that could only be resolved with plenty of rest. I took the season off to recover my body.

What is the result you would be satisfied with in Sochi? What do you think in which discipline you have the best chance?

I would be satisfied with a top 15 result in Sochi. I think the individual or the pursuit could be my best chance.

Where and how do you train in this phase of your preparation?

Our team is based out of Canmore, Alberta. We train as a team about 5x per week with intensity or shooting and strength. We do plenty of long distance rollerskiing, or even ski in the mountains here until mid-June.

Finally, please send to our small biathlon community a special message! Why should all people support you and biathlon?:)

Athletes love to give back to their community. Working in schools with kids is so much fun for me, and kids now need motivation to be active and do sport. Biathlon is such a fun sport- we need to inspire the stars of tomorrow.

Thank you for your answers and we wish you all the best for the preparation and finding sponsors!!!

http://meganimrie.com/2013/06/i-need-your-help/

Martina Beck interjú (magyar)

Alighanem az eddigi legkülönlegesebb, legexkluzívabb interjúnk következik: egy igazi biatlonos ikon válaszol a magyar szurkolói csoportnak.

Ivett amellett, hogy interjút adott nekünk, egy hihetetlenül nagylelkű felajánlást is tett, segítségével egy korábbi világsztárt kérdezhetünk: következzen Martina Beck!

Martina, köszönjük, hogy rendelkezésünkre állsz! Mindenekelőtt mondj pár szót Ivettel való ismeretségedről: mióta tartjátok ezt a szoros kapcsolatot?

Már nem is tudom ... ezer éve... Akkoriban Uschin keresztül ismertem meg, sőt volt még velünk edzőtáborban is a Dachstein gleccsernél, velünk edzett. Amikor januárban 3 napot sífutni voltam Ramsauban, meg is látogattam. A második gyerekeink 2 hét különbséggel születtek. Így nagyon jó és hasznos találkozás volt hisz a gyerekekkel kapcsolatban is ki tudtuk cserélni tapasztalatainkat.

Egy egészen fantasztikus karrier a Tiéd: tizenegy évad a világkupában, számtalan nagy verseny és dobogós helyezés a biatlon történelem valaha volt legerősebb német csapatának tagjaként. Milyen érzés volt a sok tehetséges versenyző közül első németként összetett világkupát nyerni éppen tíz évvel ezelőtt?

Igen, a 2002/2003-as szezon fantasztikus volt. Akkoriban a 2002-es Olimpia után eléggé csalódott voltam, hogy csak az egyéniben kaptam indulási jogot, ahol 7. lettem. Ezt követő nyáron nagyon jól tudtam edzeni- szinte mániákusan és ennek meg is lett a gyümölcse.. Az, hogy akkoriban az első német voltam, aki VK összetettet nyert- őszintén szólva ez engem nem érdekelt.

Ebben a szezonban nyerted első világbajnoki címedet is – egy emlékezetes üldözőverseny végén, holtversenyben Sandrine Bailly-val. Hogy élted meg ezt a győzelmet, a verseny utáni pillanatokat? Milyen érzés volt együtt állni a dobogó tetején?

Na igen, ez ekkoriban teljesen kaotikus volt...... teljesen együtt értünk át a célvonalon és az eredményjelző táblán még 5 perc múlva sem volt világos, melyikünk nyert, mivel a versenyidőnk egyforma volt. Egyszer én voltam az első, majd ismét mind a ketten, és ez így ment ide-oda..... végül Világbajnok lettem és Sandrine az egyforma idő ellenére 2. Még a győztes kihirdetésénél is egyedüli győztesként voltam megnevezve. Többször elnézést kértem Sandrine-tól, mert egyáltalán nem találtam igazságosnak, és ezt a sajtótájékoztatón is elmondtam. Eközben jött egy telefonhívás, miután Janiz azt mondta, hogy mind a ketten Világbajnokok vagyunk. Sandrine és én megöleltük egymást és sírtunk a boldogságtól. - IGEN!!!!! nagyon jó volt Sandrine-val a dobogó tetején állni és 2 himnuszt hallgatni.

Torinoban egészen fantasztikus olimpiád volt: a három ezüstérem mindegyike rendkívül szépen csillog, különösen az üldözőé a 17. helyről. Maradt-e hiányérzet Benned? Elcserélnéd-e ezt a három ezüstöt egy olimpiai aranyra?

Nem!Igaz, Németországban CSAK az arany számít, más nem, én nagyon boldog vagyok a 4 olimpiai érmemmel, és ezeket soha nem cserélném el. Miután Olga Pileva doppingtesztje pozitív lett, vissza kellett adnom a bronzérmemet és kaptam helyette egy ezüstöt. Èn inkább megtartottam volna a bronzot.

Andrea Henkel végigcsinált még egy olimpiai ciklust, ráadásul remek eredményekkel továbbra is a közvetlen élmezőnyben van. Nem fordult meg a fejedben, hogy belefért volna még négy év a pályafutásodba?

Nem. 2006-ba megfogadtam- még négy év és utána 30 évesen visszavonulok és valami mást csinálok. Ès ez így is lett. 2010-ben visszavonultam, 2011-ben és 2012-ben pedig megszülettek a kislányaim és ez így van jól.

Az elmúlt évtizedben a biatlon Németországban rendkívüli népszerűségre tett szert az Uschitól Lenáig terjedő sikerszériának köszönhetően. Mit gondolsz, a győzelmektől elkényeztetett szurkolók mikor élhetnek át egy hasonló német dominanciát újra? Elképzelhető-e Szocsi német biatlon arany nélkül?

Teljesen biztos vagyok benne, hogy Németországban nem lesz még egy Lena- a szurkolóknak azóta elég extrém elvárásaik és igényeik vannak ami a német csapat teljesítményét illeti. Lehet, hogy Szocsiban nem szerzünk érmet, végül is ebbe a szerencse is beletartozik. Nove Mestoban a VB sem sikerült jól- illetve az elvárások nem lettek teljesítve. Èn azért remélem, hogy jó lesz a termés.

Mivel foglalkozol most? Mennyire vagy még közel a biatlonos élethez?

Télen különböző szponzoroknak dolgoztam a VilágKupákon, mint például a Viessmann és a DKB. Néhány biatlonossal még szorosan tartom a kapcsolatot és még mindig nagyon érdekel a biatlon..

A biatlon világszerte folytatódó népszerűségének egyik jele az, hogy immár az IBU által hivatalosan elismert magyar szurkolói csoport is létezik. Van-e valami speciális üzeneted egy ilyen kis biatlonnemzet szurkolói számára?

Szerintem teljesen mindegy, hogy kis vagy nagy biatlonnemzetről van szó abban az esetben, ha az emberek együtt tudnak valamiért rajongani. Csak így tovább!

Üdvözlettel! Martina

Martina Beck interview (Deutsch)

The former biathlon superstar answers exclusively to our questions!!!

Thanks for Ivett again and again for the contact and also for the German-Hungarian translation!!!

Liebe Martina, vielen Dank, dass Du uns Zeit nimmst! Vor allem, sag uns bitte einige Worte von eurer Freundschaft mit Ivett Szöllősi: seit wann seid ihr befreundet?

Ich weiß gar nicht wie lange schon....ewig Ich habe sie damals über Uschi kennen gelernt und sie war ja sogar bei einem Lehrgang von uns am Dachstein Gletscher mit dabei und hat mit uns trainiert. Als ich jetzt im Januar 3 Tage zum LL in der Ramsau war, habe ich sie besucht-denn wir haben beide innerhalb von 2 Wochen unser 2.. Kind bekommen und es war total schön und lustig mit den Kindern und natürlich sich untereinander auszutauschen.

Du hast eine fantastische Karriere: 11 Saison im WC-Zirkus , unzählige große Wettkämpfe und Podestplätze und alles hast als Mitglied des mächtigsten deutsche Team im Biathlon- Geschichte erreicht. Was für ein Gefühl war es, genau vor 10 Jahre als erste Deutsche von der starken deutschen Mannschaft den Gesamtweltcupsieg zu gewinnen?

Ja die Saison 2002/2003 war genial. Ich war damals nach den Olympischen Spielen 2002 so enttäuscht, dass ich nur einen Einsatz im Einzel bekommen hatte, bei dem ich 7. wurde. Den Sommer über habe ich richtig gut trainiert -fast schon zu verbissen und es hat sich gelohnt. Dass ich damals die erste Deutsche war, die den Gesamtweltcup gewonnen hat-war mir ehrlich gesagt egal.

In dieser Saison hast du auch dein erste WM Gold gewonnen. Das war ein unvergessliches Verfolgungsrennen, als du mit Sandrine Bailly zusammen den Ziellinie überquert hast. Wie hast du dieser Sieg erlebt, die Momente nach dem Wettkampf? Was für ein Gefühl war es zu zweit ganz oben auf dem Podium zu stehen dürfen?

Naja, das war damals alles ziemlich chaotisch......wir sind beide gemeinsam über die Ziellinie und auf der Ergebnistafel war nach 5 min immer noch nicht klar, wer von uns gewonnen hat, da die Zeit identisch war, doch bei den Platzierungen waren sie sich nicht sicher. Einmal war ich auf Platz 1 und dann wieder wir beide und so ging das immer hin und her.....schließlich war ich Weltmeisterin und Sandrine-trotz der selben Zeit 2. Ich war sogar bei der Siegerpräsentation alleinige Weltmeisterin! Ich habe mich bei Sandrine immer wieder entschuldigt, da ich das überhaupt nicht fair fand und das habe ich auch bei der Pressekonferenz gesagt. Währenddessen kam ein Anruf rein und Janiz hat gesagt, dass wir beide nun Weltmeisterinnen sind Sandrine und ich haben uns umarmt und beide vor Freude geweint- JAAA es war toll mit Sandrine gemeinsam dort oben zu stehen und 2 Hymnen zu hören. 

In Torino war deine erfolgreichste Olympiade: 3 mal Silber und die glänzen alle wunderschön, aber von den Verfolgungsrennen wo du von dem 17. Platz auf 2. gelaufen bist, glänzt nach meiner Meinung nach am schönsten. Hast du trotzdem Mangelgefühl? Würdest du den 3 Silbermedalien für einen Gold umtauschen?

Nein! In Deutschland zählt zwar NUR Gold und sonst nichts, doch ich bin so glücklich mit meinen insg. 4 Olympiamedaillen, die würde ich nie umtauschen wollen. Nachdem Olga Pylewa positiv getestet worden war musste ich meine Bronzemedaille hergeben und habe eine Silberne bekommen-ich hätte viiiel lieber meine Bronzemedaille behalten.

Andrea Henkel hat noch eine olympische Zyklus gemacht, und sie ist weiterhin ganz gut, hat super Ergebnisse und ist weiterhin vorne. Hast nie drauf gedacht, dass es bei dir auch ausgegangen wäre..... noch 4 Jahren?

Nein. 2006 in Turin habe ich mir gesagt-4 Jahre mache ich noch und mit 30 ist Schluß, dann möchte ich aufhören und was anderes machen. So habe ich es durchgezogen. 2010 aufgehört 2011 und 2012 meine beiden Töchter bekommen und das ist gut so.

In der letzten Jahrzehnt ist Biathlon in Deutschland sehr populär geworden, dank den Erfolgsserie von Uschi bis Lena.. Was glaubst, wann können die Fans, die natürlich sehr verwöhnt waren, noch mal so eine deutsche Dominanz erleben? Ist es erdenklich, dass deutsche Biathleten in Sochi leer ausgeht?

Ich bin mir sicher, dass es aus Deutschland keine 2. Lena geben wird-die Fans haben durch sie natürlich extrem hohe Erwartungen und Ansprüche an die Leistungen des dt. Teams.
Kann schon sein, dass wir in Sotchi leer ausgehen, schließlich spielt ein bisschen Glück auch noch mit. In Nove Mesto bei der WM hat es ja leider auch nicht gerade gut ausgesehen-zumindest wurden die Erwartungen bei weitem nicht erfüllt. ich hoffe jedoch dass die Ausbeute gut sein wird.

Was machst du heutzutage Beruflich? Wie nahe bist noch zu dem Biathlonleben?

Ich war im Winter für verschiedene Sponsoren Viessmann und DKB bei den Weltcups dabei. Mit manchen Athleten stehe ich noch in Kontakt und ich bin noch sehr daran interessiert.

Das Biathlon immer berühmter wird, zeigt auch, dass Biathlon Fan Club schon in Ungarn auch gibt, und ist von der IBU erkannt. Hast vielleicht eine spezielle Botschaft für den Fans so einem kleinen Biathlonnation?

Ich finde es toll egal wie groß oder klein eine Biathlonnation ist, wenn die Menschen sich gemeinsam für etwas begeistern können. Macht weiter so!


Liebe Grüße, Martina

Marie Dorin-Habert interview (français)

Nous avons eu des entretiens avec plusieurs biathlètes fantastiques, même sur leurs anniversaires - maintenant une autre date très importante est aujourd'hui. L'anniversaire de nr 4 biathlète du monde, Marie Dorin-Habert. (L'interview a été réalisée le 6 Juin.)

BFH : Marie, les fans de biathlon hongrois voudrais tout d'abord vous souhaiter un très joyeux anniversaire! Avez-vous le temps de fêter ça entre les formations?

Marie : Non !! d’ailleurs le jour de mon anniversaire je serai en stage à Bormio avec le groupe France ; Je pense qu’on mangera un petit gâteau pour l’occasion mais ce sera tout ! et puis de toute façon je suis vieille maintenant, je n’ai plus envie de souffler des bougies !

BFH : Vous avez fait votre meilleure saison jusqu'à présent avec 3 podiums individuels et 4ème place au classement général - qui a été votre meilleur moment de l'hiver dernier?

Marie : Sans doute le premier podium à Polkjluka car ça ‘a rassuré de savoir que je pouvais monter sur la boîte en décembre et surtout ça m’a donné goût d’y remonter pour la suite.

BFH : Quel serait le résultat à Sotchi que vous seriez heureux avec? À Vancouver, vous aviez une d'argent et une de bronze, je suppose peut-être que vous voulez encore mieux ...

Marie : Non, je crois que quelque soit le métal de la médaille, je serai contente si je peux en ramener une chez moi !!

BFH : Quel est le plan de formation pour l'été? Vous voyagez à nouveau en Norvège pour le Festival de Blink?

Marie : Oui nous allons au Blink festival après un stage de 15 jours en Norvège sous la pluie, sinon nous baroudons de sites en sites à raison de 15 jours de stage par mois.

BFH : Enfin, s'il vous plaît nous dire si vous vous rappelez les fans de biathlon hongrois ou si vous avez quelque message spécial pour eux. :)

Marie : Bonjour les fans de biathlon Hongrois !! Merci de soutenir les petites françaises, surtout celles qui se plaignent tout le temps et qui ont mal aux jambes très très souvent sur les courses !! Merci pour tout,
A très bientôt,
Marie

Merci pour vos réponses et nous vous souhaitons une bonne préparation pour la saison olympique!

Marie Dorin-Habert interview (English)

We had interviews with several fantastic biathletes, even on their birthdays – now another very important date is today. The birthday of the world’s nr 4 biathlete, Marie Dorin-Habert. (The interview was made on 6th of June.)

BFH: Marie, the Hungarian biathlon fans first would like to wish you a very happy birthday!!! Do you have time to celebrate it between the trainings?

Marie: No!! Anyway on my birthday I'll have training in Bormio with the French team. I think we'll eat cake for this moment but just that. I'm an old now, I don't feel like blow the candle's!

BFH: You did your best season so far with 3 individual podiums and 4th place in the overall ranking – which was your best moment in the last winter?

Marie: Without any hesitation: the first podium in Pokljuka . It was a good feeling I could be among the best in December and after that, I wanted taste again podium after long time.

BFH: What would be the result in Sochi which you would be happy with? In Vancouver you had one silver and one bronze, I suppose maybe you want even better…

Marie: No, I do not care about the type of the medal, I will be happy if I can bring back one home!!

BFH: What is the training plan for the summer? You travel again to Norway to the Blink Festival?

Marie: Yes, we go to Blink Festival after stage in Norway under the rain. Otherwise we change training stage every 15 days.

BFH: Finally, please tell us if you have some good memories from the Hungarian biathlon fans or if you have some special message to them.

Marie: Hello Hungarian biathlon fans!! Thanks to encourage the little French girls, especially the one who complain all the time and have very very sore legs during the races!! Thanks for all,
See you soon,
Marie

Thank you for your answers and we wish you good preparation for the Olympic season!

Erik Lesser interview

In this week we have some special interviews to all of our followers - also from the largest biathlon nations! After Norway and Russia we managed to reach another big biathlon country, Germany: we have an interview with Erik Lesser, who had two individual podiums in the last season and became a top 20 athlete this winter.

Erik, first we would like to congratulate to you for your results. You started the season with a fantastic individual race in Östersund (3rd place and 20/20 shooting). Did you thought there that you can continue this performance during the season?

Thank you very much. In Östersund I was surprised by myself, that it worked so well. At this time my target was to be a part of the National team and reach some results among the best 30th.

Which was your best and your worst moment in this winter?

The worst moment was the the second shooting at the WCS, running at the end of the relay. But it wasn´t during the shooting or running, the bad feeling came up after recognizing which huge chance I missed. The best feeling I had hours after the relay. All my colleagues supported me and I reached the fifth place the race after.

What are your expectations for the next season? The traditions and the big popularity of biathlon always puts pressure to the German athletes, mainly in the Olympic season… How do you see your chances in Sochi?

First of all I would be a fix part of the team and I would like to confirm the results of the last season. Ths would be a huge success for me and it would mean the qualifying for Sotchi.

When do you think an individual World Cup win is possible for you?

I don´t know.

How did you feel yourself as the last member of the relay? You had great races and exciting moments in Ruhpolding and Nove Mesto!

I was very proud and a little bit nervous:). But the most important thing was to be a part of the relay.

What are you doing at the moment – where do you prepare for the next season?

We have different training courses at home and in the mountains. We are working hard to become the best fitness. In between I had some dates with my sponsors and I am constructing my homepage.

Finally, please tell the Hungarian Biathlon Fan Group a short special message – in our country biathlon is not so popular like in Germany… Why should all the Hungarian people be a biathlon fan?:)

Because it´s me:) No, it is a fantastic sport and you will never know what comes up in the future.

Really thank you for the answers and we wish you a good preparation for Sochi!!! 

Victoria Padial Hernández interview

The summer is calling! Today we have an interview with the young Spanish woman Victoria Padial Hernández. She is the only one from her country Who starts in the World Cup series. This is not surprising, because the mediterranian country isn't famous from winter sports, but here is a woman who can change this. So get your coctails to your hands, sit back, and enjoy our brand new interview with this beautiful and always smiling talented girl!

BFH: When did you start biathlon, and why did you choose this sport?

Vicky: I live in Granada in the south of Spain hot land near Africa, I began practice cross country ski when I was 7 years old with my family and friends in our high local mountains (3.400m). I love skiing but after years of training I was a little bored so I was thinking about biathlon because I saw this sports show in tv. I started shooting with a rifle very late when I was 19 years.

BHF: You achieved your best results in the last season, and in Sochi you reached your first world cup point. How do you see your last season?

Vicky: we are very pleased with the last season because it was our first complet season in WC and we have achieved our goals and now we have more motivation to continue to work and improve for the next year.

BFH: Everybody said Sochi is the strongest track ever, but you reached your best result there. What can you say about this track?

Vicky: I really love the Sochi tracks, in my town Granada we have a lot of mountain and hard uphill so this type of relief is good for me and my preparation in Spain! Sochi is different from all other tracks and that makes it more special and exciting Olympics games for all spectators.

BFH: After this great result what place could be your objective in the next year's Winter Olympic games?

Vicky: Top 30 and achieve my dream of participating in a mass start

BFH: And what's your objective in the World Cup races?

Vicky: Take more point regularly in all types of competitions and assure a permanent in WC without more wildcard and relax on this issue.

BFH: Your results are better and better year by year. Tell to us please, how will you prepare yourself for the next World Cup season? What's Victoria's secret?

Vicky: I am training alone, in spring I´am training in my town practicing cycling, montain bike, runing and acurace shooting in the olimpic center where the next 2015 World shooting championships will take place. In june I begin specifique biathlon training with roller skis in France where my coach Alex NAPPA live. My only secret is the passion I put in everything I do.

BFH: Will you have special trainings for the Olympic games? In what races are you planning to start in the pre-season?

Vicky: We never follow the same training plan every year. Like my coach Alex said me in 2008, if we do the same thinks we stay in place and if we copy Russian or French training method… in the best case we will be just behind them. Simply because we don`t have the same budget. We must develop our own method and you must participate because we are alone. I trust him and I did not regret.
We are thinking participate in the biathlon summer world championship but surely in the French biathlon summer tour.

BFH: Which place and what kind of competition is your favourite and why?

Vicky: This season I have known new tracks and I love all of them. Each place have some special details but I prefer sunny place like the first days in WC Sochi! My favourite competition is the pursuit, I like so much the fighting spirit but I want to make a mass start I think this race will be the best format for me!

BFH: What's your best memory from your career so far?

Vicky: I always remember my second place in the International cross country championships Topolino – Italy when I was 13 years old but this year I experienced moments very intensive like my first pursuit in a WC in a great biathlon atmosphere in Oberhof and of course my first wc point in Sochi!

BFH: Now the season is over, you can relax. How will you plan to spend your free time? What do you like to do? What hobbies do you have?

Vicky: Invent, improve and test new products, currently with Dragonski I am in charge of the development of Roller skis with flex-control like in cross-country skis ... the famous FA. The results are excellent, I have been using them from last season, next week we will introduce to the technicians of French biathlon team. Also I have developed last off season my own natural cosmetics products and this summer we start the first production. Soon all information in my website www.victoriapadial.es

BFH: Thank you the interview, we hope you the best! At last please tell some words specially for the Hungarian fans!

Vicky: Thanks all of you for your great support in all competition with a great atmosphere I hope see all of you next year in an exciting competition!!

 

Chardine Sloof interview

We give a chance to athletes to offer us somebody for an interview. Johanna Talihärm take this opportunity, so we have a very special interview again.

We have interview with a little talented girl from a very little nation of biathlon. She is the girl who surprised everybody in Kontiolahti in the Youth and Junior World Championships in 2012. Yes, she is Chardine Sloof from Netherlands.

BFH: Dear Chardine, thank you to accept our interview request. You are a special person in the world of biathlon. You race in the colours of Netherlands, which isn't famous from this sport. The climate and the natural conditions aren't seems suitable. Tell to us please why did you choose biathlon and when did you start your career?

Chardine: I started with Biathlon when i was 10 years old, when i was 15 years old i did my first international race in Geilo (NOR) at that time still called europa-cup in the junior competition.I started with biathlon because my older brother did it (when we already lived in Sweden). One day i was there at the training to watch and I got the chance to shoot one time and that sold me.

BFH: In 1999 you moved to Sweden with your family. Everybody say biathlon is one big family. This statement is absolutely true for you, because you live in a real biathlon family. Your brothers are biathletes too, and your father is your coach. What it feels like such a fantastic family to live?

Chardine: Its great I am very happy to get this support from my family. It helps me a lot. a lot of people say they wouldn't be able to do it the way we do, but i like it. Of course sometimes it can be hard but mostly it makes it easier, like talking about things. Its also very good to have them around me during traveling in the winter because it doesn't make me longing to home so much except for seeing my mom of course.

BFH: Biathlon is one of the most beautiful sport in the world, but unfortunately in Hungary isn't popular. Has Netherlands the same problem?

Chardine: At the last olympic games biathlon was the second best watched sport on the TV in the Netherlands. People like to watch and the most have seen it, but ice speed skating will always be number one because thats the winter sport from the Netherlands. I think the biggest problem in the Netherlands is that we never have a real winter, when there is 5 cm of snow it is one big chaos with traffic. And Shooting in the Netherlands is not very possible in the way we do it in biathlon.

BFH: The little nations always get help from the bigger nations. From which nations do you get the most help and with who do you have the best relationship?

Chardine: Thats the beauty of biathlon cause when you need help everybody is willing to help. Right now i am in Norway and get a lot of help from them.

BFH: Unfortunately you have problems during the last season, we saw that you can't start in the sprint in the WCH, and you must to gave up the individual. But it is positive, that you achieved your personally best World Cup results and won the Swedish Championships. How do you remember to your last season?

Chardine: The start of the season was great, after Christmas in Ostrov (RUS) I even made my best spot so far in the IBU-cup, so i was in good shape but after that i got sick and the most important races all fell under it. I tried in the last few world cups to come back and I felt I made progress every race but I didn't come back the way i had hoped.

BFH: Your nation is in the 33th place now. The best 28th can start in Sochi next year. You are a hard situation to qualify yourself to Sochi like our biathlete Emoke, because you are the only one woman from Netherlands in the World Cup series. Do you see chances to complete it? Our fan group's motto is 'Impossible is nothing!', so we hope you'll say yes for this question!

Chardine: I would love to say nothing is impossible. but for me it is impossible to make Sochi. As the information i got, it is the nation points you get in the last world championships (Ruhpolding 2012 and Nove Mesto 2013), not the world cup nation points. Im not really sure what place I am on but i thought around 38th. That means I am far away from 28th and I am sure that it is impossible.

BFH: What are your other goals for the next season?

Chardine: My biggest goal is to make the Olympic qualification from the Dutch olympic committee, Just to try to show that i am capable of doing that. And of course make better places in the world cup then i did last year I know I should be able to do that.

BFH: In 2012 you surprised the world. You won 2 gold medal in Kontiolahti in the Youth and Junior World Championships. Your individual win was fantastic, but your pursuit win from the 8th place was amazing. In 2015 the World Championships will be there, you already have great memories from this track. What do you think, will you repeat your wins?

And, how do you remember back to the Junior WCH competitions? I think they were your most beautiful days in your life.

Chardine: yes they really were, i liked the track very much. When we had our races there it wasn't so cold like the world cup the week before so it was perfect. I will of course try to be there and hoping for the best. It is still far away so its hard to say anything about places. But its always a dream to be able to stand the highest again in the big competitions.

BFH: Are you started your preparation for the next season or you have some day from your rest time? Will you have special trainings?

Chardine:I have start training in May, unfortunately I had an injury with my knee so I was out for almost two weeks. Right now everyday is getting better and I will train real hard for the coming season.

BFH: How did you spend your free time? What hobbies do you have? Could you live for them?

Chardine: I went a week to London with my family, that was very nice. I bake a lot, i love to bake infact, thats my hobby.

BFH: We would like to thank you the interview and we wish you the best to your next season and a good preparation. Finally, would you like to send a special message to the Hungarian fans?

Chardine: Dear Hungarian fans keep cheering for the dutch woman team, right now we are not so many but maybe one day we will be more Thank you!

If you like Chardine or want to know more about her, you can get more information in her official facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ChardineSloof?fref=ts

Ahti Toivanen interview

Our next station in our international trip is Finland: and we manage to make an interview with a biathlete who can be maybe the „new Kaisa” among the men: Ahti Toivanen!

BFH: Ahti, please tell us a small summary of the season! Your best WC position is your career was in this winter (33rd place, Östersund sprint) and you qualified yourself several times for the pursuit. Altogether are you happy with these results?

Ahti: Yes start of season was good but then it went downhill.. In oberhof i was sick and it too time to recover even thought it was ok in ruhpolding and antholtz. WCH then was catastrophe for our team! didn't find skies/grinding/waxing for skies and it was horrible result even though i had the best feeling in my body the whole season. Rest of season i was pretty much sick -> no any results

BFH: Two years ago in the Junior WCH in Nove Mesto you were almost on the podium – when do you think a same result is possible for you in the World Cup races?

Ahti: Nowadays races are thought and many can do well so it needs very good day to get top.. But I think if everything goes well and stay healthy maybe next season after olympics some podium.. but you never know what happens in biathlon so sometimes with luck you can get podium

BFH: In the next season there is Sochi and the Olympic Games, then in 2015 home World Championships in Kontiolahti. Which is more important for you?

Ahti: Maybe Sochi comes little bit too early for me but ofcourse i want make good results there. Kontiolahti isn't so hard track and quite small margins in skiing time so i think can make even top results there Been training in kontiolahti many years and many friends come to watch so it would be super to do good results there..

BFH: Please tell us a few words about the biathlon’s popularity in Finland! Still behind ice-hockey, ski jumping and cross country I guess…

Ahti: It has been increasing now after Kaisa's success but quite minor still... Even in joensuu most attention goes to icehockey, basketball and floorball... But now atleast people now what biathlon is !!

BFH: What are you doing at the moment? Did your preparation start for the new season?

Ahti: Yes, preparation for next season has started with the first A-team camp.

BFH: Finally, we would like to ask you send some special message to the Hungarian biathlon fans! We want to tell everybody that this is the most beautiful sport in the world, do you agree?

Ahti: Yes, biathlon is very demanding sport but very fun The athmosphere is amasing in competitions, thanks to all (crazy) fans!! So keep it up and hope we make it even bigger sport

Thank you for your answers and we wish you good preparation for the Olympic season!

(In the photo we are together with Ahti, Jarkko and Mari in Bled.)

A mi történetünk / Our fairy tale III.

HARMADIK FEJEZET

Cseh esték

A világbajnokság leírására, elmesélésére nem elég egy bejegyzés - kezdjük először az estékkel, melyek nem kevésbé teltek tartalmasan, mint a nappalok...

Kezdődött ott az egész történet, hogy Sanyi egészen véletlenül DJ, méghozzá a jobbik fajtából - miért is ne szervezzünk le neki egy, vagy akár több estét is valami jó kis helyen és csináljunk egy biatlonos bulit? Az ötletet tett követte, olyannyira, hogy Dani tavalyi emlékeiből és ismeretségéből (helyi cseh emberünk, Tomas segítségével) sikerült megtalálni a Nove Mestotól 10 km-re fekvő Zdar legigényesebb helyét, a Batyskafot.

Aztán nem sokkal az indulás előtt láttuk, hogy választásunkkal nem lőttünk mellé: először egy hivatalos zdari plakáton láttuk viszont a magyar buli hirdetését, majd a vb hivatalos honlapja hozta le, hogy a magyarok nemzetközi biatlon bulija hivatalos kísérő esemény lett!!! S mindezt még tetézte az első nap (majd az összes többi nap szintúgy), amikor a belépésnél a kezünkbe nyomott újságban is felfedeztük Sanyit, alias DJ 911-et - eztán nem is haboztunk a nézőket és a helyi önkénteseket is nagy erőkkel invitálni a Batyskaf irányába...

A három buli, melyet végül tartottunk örökké emlékezetes marad. Megtisztelt bennünket a magyar válogatott összes tagja - természetesen hamar távoztak, hogy a versenyekre pihentek legyenek, de látszott: lelkileg sikerült őket feltöltenünk. Emellett számos másik nemzet szurkolói is csatlakoztak hozzánk, akikkel így nem csak a Vysocina Arénában, hanem a Batyskafban is barátságot kötöttünk. A hagyományos nemzeti viseletüket büszkén hordó, rendkívül barátságos ukrán csapattal együtt örültük és üvöltöttünk Pidrushna aranya után; beszélgettünk az ötfős orosz lánycsapattal, akik közül volt aki a Csendes-óceán partjáról érkezett; és természetesen a franciákkal, főleg a partiarc Fabiennel. Emellett pedig a csehekkel, lányokkal-fiúkkal, akik teljesen átélték egy biatlonos parti hangulatát.

S amikor utolsó este Zdarban kavarogva megtaláltuk azt a helyet, ahol a svájci, amerikai, kanadai és olasz (tömegrajtban nem érdekelt) csapattagjai lazítottak már csak hab volt a tortán...:)

CHAPTER THREE

Czech evenings

To tell everything about the WCH one post is not enough - let's start first with the evenings, which were also as fantastic as the afternoons...
 
We started to organize the nights before the WCH - because Sanyi is a great DJ and we thought: why don't we organize a biathlon party somewhere near Nove Mesto? With the help of the last year contacts of Dani (and large thanks to Tomas) we managed to arrange for Sanyi a perfect place: the Batyskaf in Zdar, 10 km from Nove Mesto.

Then before our departure we saw that Batyskaf was a great choice - first we discoveres Sanyi, as DJ 911 in the Zdar for Biathlon poster than we checked the website of the WCH: the International Biathlon Party is an official side event!!! And that was not all: at the entrance every fan got a newspaper with the most important informations - and our party was also there.:) Then we started to invite everybody from the stadium to our nights...

We will always remember for the three parties that we made in the Zdar night. We have VIP guests, because every Hungarian biathlete visited us - of course only for a short time but they went to rest with good memories. And the international party was really international! Our Ukrainian friends came in their national clothes, and we celebrated together the win of Pidrushna. We talked with Russian girls coming from near the Pacific Ocean, and there were French supporters also, with the party face Fabien. And of course the Czech girls and boys also enjoyed the international biathlon party, where long lasting friendships made among the different nations.

And when in the last evening we find Zdar an other place, where the team members of the Swiss, the American, the Canadian and the Italian danced, it was a fantastic finish of our Czech nights...

Our "bib map"

We are really proud to have lot of souvenirs from the biathletes - here you can see the origin of our 36 bibs: from 25 athletes, 15 countries, 5 races, 3 seasons.

Dyllan Harmer interview

„The World is not Enough” – was the title of the James Bond movie; for the Hungarian biathlon fans the world is just enough, but almost small… Who cares about the Ayers Rock or the Sydney Opera House if we can find also biathletes in Australia!!! Let’s have a short interview with the Auzzie Biathlete, Dyllan Harmer!

BFH: Dyllan, first you have to tell us the reason why and how did you choose this sport?

Dyllan: When i first started in high school there was a artical about skiing, I didn’t know what sort of skiing but I was interested. I found out that it was Cross Country skiing, I thought I’d give it a go. I loved it, so I kept training. After a year in Cross Country, my teacher at the time told me about biathlon. I researched it and went to the nearest resort that had a range (Mt. Hotham, the only range in Australia) and tried it for the first time. I feel in love with it, ever since then I’ve just want to do my best and hopefully one day be the best and represent my country at an Olympics.

BFH: In the last winter you competed in the IBU Cups, the Junior WCH and also in Nove Mesto among the world’s best biathletes. How was this season for you? Please tell us a short summary!

Dyllan: My season was good overall, not as good as I wanted. Some races were good and others were bad.Trying to get my ski speed faster, my shooting % wasn’t as good as last year but that is the sport of Biathlon.

BFH: Your great objective is to qualify to Sochi. Do you have good chances to reach this goal?

Dyllan: Yes, that is my goal for the next season to compete at Sochi. I have already qualified under the IBU’s criteria. But now I play the waiting game as to who will be representing Australia in the 2014 Winter Olympics. At the moment there is only one position up for grabs.

BFH: What about the situation of biathlon in Australia? Do you have training centres? And do you have followers who also want to compete?

Dyllan: We have one venue at Mount Hotham for winter training, which is quite small with only 12 lanes. As for actual training facilities for rollerskiing and shooting, I rollerski on the road and drive to a shooting range, not ideal but you do the best with what you have. There are a couple of kids that have just started biathlon that I seem to have made an impression on and are following my races.

BFH: What are you doing at the moment? Is the winter strong enough to start your preparation in snowy conditions at home?

Dyllan: Currently I’m in Sweden doing a summer training block, but from what I’ve seen and heard there is some snow on the ground. Not enough to train on yet.

BFH: Finally, we would like to ask you send some special message to the Hungarian biathlon fans! Were you surprised when we asked for your bib in Nove Mesto?

Dyllan: I’d like to say Hi and a BIG Thank You, to hear you cheer me on makes me dig in and push harder, looking forward to hearing you next season. Thank you for this opportunity, to be interveiwed. Yes, I was quite suprised and very honured!

Thank you for your answers and we wish you good preparation for the Olympic season!

Rosanna Crawford birtday interview

We continue our special birthday interviews: the next stop is Canada and Rosanna Crawford.

BFH: Rosanna, first we would like to wish a very happy birthday to you from Hungary!!! I think you can be satisfied, because you had a great season, fantastic results mainly from December! How would you summarize your season?

Rosanna: Last year was my best season on the World Cup ever. It started off really well in December. After coming home for Christmas I had a bit of bursitis in my shoulder which made me take some time off. By the end of World Champs I feel I was almost back at the same ski speed at December but unfortunately right after WCHs I got sick for 9 days and had a really hard time coming back for the last World Cups.

BFH: According to the last year results (you were the best Canadian in the overall WC ranking) we can say you are the leader of the team together with Zina. What are the goals for the next season and for Sochi – for you and for the team?

Rosanna: As a team we are growing and one of our main goals is to achieve a top 8 in relays. I believe with some better shooting our team is capable of it.
My personal goal is to have a more consistent season. Being in the top 30 all year and of course being at my very best in February 2014!

BFH: What is your training plan for the summer? Where are you and what are you doing now?

Rosanna: For the summer we will spend most of it training in the Rocky Mountains in Canmore. We have a great roller ski loop and range here and there are a lot of strong athletes who train out of Canmore. We will do some training camps in the States, as well as some workouts with the Canadian cross country team.

BFH: We talked with Scott Gow about the popularity of biathlon in Canada – do you think a medal from Sochi would be enough to raise the interest of the Caandian people significantly?

Rosanna: In 1992 and 1994 when Myriam Bedard won her gold and bronze medals, that got Biathlon known in Canada. I believe that a medal could for raise some more interest in Biathlon in Canada, but we also need to get it being shown on TV here in non Olympics years. It is such an exciting sport to watch and I really think that if Canadians were exposed to the sport that it would gain popularity in Canada. I mean we are supposed to be a winter nation and not just hockey!

BFH: We, the Hungarian fans are great supporters of the Canadian team – and we have a French friend, David, who is maybe even a bigger Rosanna fan.

(He got your bib after the individual.) Do you have good memories from us or have some special message to our group or to David?

Rosanna: Thank you for your interest in me and I will try to do you proud next winter!

Thank you for your answers and we wish you good work for the summer trainings!

Grete Gaim birthday interview

Less than 10 days ago we had an interview with a Junior World Champion biathlete in her 20th birthday. And for us nothing is impossible: we do the same again!!! We have a talk now with Grete Gaim – another Estonian rising star.

BFH: Grete, first we would like to wish a very happy birthday to you in the name of the Hungarian Biathlon Fans!!! You became Junior WCH in Kontiolahti in 2012 – in pursuit, from the 10th position. What are your memories from that race?

Grete: Thank you very much! I have the best memories of this day, it has been the best day in my life so far! I remember I was so surprised during the race , but I knew I have to shoot well to win some kind of medal and I scared I lost my position to Canadian girl on my last lap, but I believed myself and I did it what I had to do, so I remember my tears of happiness, because I was certainly the happiest girl in the whole world!

BFH: What are your feelings about this winter? Are you satisfied with your season altogether?

Grete: The feelings from this season isn’t that good, but I learn so much from last season so I hope I can be much better in next season. I’m not that satisfied, but I had some step further and some beautiful races as well.

BFH: What is the main goal for the next season? You were only 15 seconds from your first WC point in the Oberhof sprint (46th place)… Maybe your first top 40 position? And maybe in Sochi?:)

Grete: My main goal is of course Junior Champs in USA and of course to qualified to the Olympic Games in Sochi. Yes of course I want to get my first points, but I don’t think about that so much. I want to do great races then comes the results as well.

BFH: You have a very young and talented women team in Estonia. Do you think is it possible one day to be on the podium in a relay competition?

Grete: Of course I have to say certainly! Because if we don’t believe in ourselves it doesn’t happen!

BFH: What are you doing at the moment? I guess you have started the preparation...

Grete: I already have started with my new season , but first easy trainings.. and I’m trying to finish my school.

BFH: Do you have some special message to the Hungarian fans?

Grete: Don’t lose your believeing in your athletes and support them every different way! And of course enjoy everything what biathlon gives you, it’s worth it!

BFH: Thank you for your answers and we wish you good work for the summer trainings!

Grete: Thank you very much and have a nice summer all of you!

Synnøve Solemdal interjú (magyar fordítás)

Mai napra is van egy nagy meglepetésünk, interjú egy ígéretes tehetséggel, aki az egyik legnagyobb biatlon nemzet tagja. Mindig kedves és mindig mosolyog, világkupa futam győztes, világbajnok, Nove Mesto-ban lett nagy kedvencünk és nagyon különleges helyet foglal el a szívünkben. Igen, ő Synnoeve Solemdal Norvégiából, aki ma ünnepli születésnapját.

BFH: Kedves Synnoeve, először is boldog születésnapot. Azt hiszem egy nagyon sikeres évadot zártál a világ kupában. Hochfilzenben megnyerted az első aranyérmedet üldözésesben, négyszer váltóban és ebben két aranyat is szereztél a világbajnokságon. Hogy látod az elmúlt szezont? Ez volt a legjobb szezonod?

Synnoeve: Köszönöm. Az elmúlt szezon volt talán a legjobb szezonom eddig. Nagyon elégedett voltam a jó futamokkal, de én úgy gondolom a következő szezonom jobb lehet.

BFH: Ez volt az első szezon, amikor különböző versenyszámokban nyertél. Van aranyérmed egyéni és csapat versenyben is. Melyik győzelem fontosabb neked?

Synnoeve: A Nove Mesto-i női váltó aranyérme a legfontosabb nekem. Annyi időt töltöttem a többi lánnyal ebben az évben, hogy ők lettek a második családom. Amikor Tora áthaladt a célvonalon, olyan boldog voltam, hogy majdnem sírni kezdtem.

BFH: A 2010-es Európa bajnokságon is nyertél üldözésesben. Ez a kedvenc versenyszámod?

Synnoeve: Haha.. Igen, nagyon szeretem az üldözésest.

BFH: Balszerencsére nem tudtad teljesen befejezni a szezont, egészségügyi gondok miatt, nem tudtál indulni Oroszországban, de jövőre Szocsiban rendezik a téli olimpiát. Nem lesz előnyöd a pálya ismeretéből. Mit gondolsz erről? Ez hátrány vagy előny neked?

Synnoeve: Terveztem, hogy megyek Szocsiba, de most „tiszta” fejjel próbálom meg helyette. Úgy gondolom, ha a nyári felkészülésem jó, akkor fel leszek készülve, hogy jó futamokat menjek bárhol.

BFH: Mi a célod a következő szezonban? Azt hiszem egy aranyérem Szocsiból természetesen…

Synnoeve: Szeretnék egy aranyat Szocsiból, de ez egy nagyon nehéz feladat. Jobb és jobb akarok lenni minden szezonban, ha ezt meg tudom csinálni, elégedett leszek.

BFH: Jobb és jobb vagy évről évre. Mit gondolsz, fel fogsz nőni Torához, vagy le is hagyod?

Synnoeve: Remélem, eddig nagyon szerencsés voltam

BFH: Az edzések elkezdődtek, elkezdődött a felkészülés a következő szezonra, de előtte volt egy kis szabadidőd. Hogy töltötted a szabadidődet? A hobbijaiddal foglalkoztál? Mik azok?

Synnoeve: Szeretek találkozni a családommal és a barátaimmal otthon. A szezon alatt nincs esélyem találkozni velük. Megpróbálok találkozni velük olyan gyakran amennyire lehet a szabadság alatt.

BFH: Előfordul hogy csak úgy ki mész egyet sífutni, a magad kedvére, amikor szikrázik a hó a napsütésben? Vagy épp elég a kötelező edzésprogram?

Synnøve: A versenyszezonban sosem csinálok ilyesmit, de amit vége a versenyeknek imádok kijárni sífutni a hegyek közé!

BFH: A mindennapos kemény edzéseket győződ-e motivációval? Azt hiszem segít, hogy a sífutás magában is elég szórakoztató, nem így van?

Synnøve: Nagyon szeretek edzeni! A biatlonban az a legjobb, hogy sok féle dolgot tudunk csinálni. A nyár során a tréningeken, futunk, bringázunk, sírollerezünk és erősítünk. Télen síelünk klasszikus, és korcsolyázó stílusban is. És természetesen mindig

lövünk! Szóval sosem válik monotonná az edzés!

BFH: Szereted az alpesi sízést is? Szoktad is csinálni?

Synnøve: Igen! Szeretem az alpesi műfajt is, de nem vagyok nagy vagány, amikor igazán meredek a lejtő. Gyakorlom és próbálok egyre inkább bevállalós lenni, így biatlonban is javulok, hisz lejtő ott is van.

BFH: Végezetül szeretnénk megköszönni, amiket kaptunk tőled Nove Mesto-ban, a dedikált rajtszámot, a közös fotót, és a sok mosolyt! Milyen emlékeid vannak a magyar szurkolókról? Volt valami emlékezetes?

Synnøve: Sok jó emlékem van a magyar szurkolótáborról! Emlékszem mindig mosolyogtak felém, és bíztattak, akár hányszor elsíeltem előttük. Nagyon jó érzés volt, és sokat jelentett nekem!

Köszönjük a beszélgetést, és a lehető legjobbakat kívánjuk a következő szezonra!

Stelczerné Szöllősi Ivett interjú

Szólaltattunk már meg aktív versenyzőket magyar és nemzetközi vonalról, igyekeztünk bemutatni fiatal tehetségeket – és most jöjjön egy új kategória nyitánya: olyanokkal beszélgetünk, akik most már csak nézőként követik figyelemmel a biatlon eseményeit, de korábban ők is aktív részesei voltak ennek a csodálatos közegnek. Elsőként jöjjön Stelczerné Szöllősi Ivett, akivel már csaknem egy éve rendszeres kapcsolatban vagyunk.

Mesélj arról hogy lettél biatlonos, hogyan sikerült rátalálnod erre a sportra?

Hát túlságosan nem volt nehéz dolgom, hogy megismerjem a biatlont. Sportcsaládba születtem bele, Èdesanyám tájfutott, sífutott, biatlonozott, Édesapám pedig biatlonozott, sífutott és tájfutott. Kipróbáltam a tájfutást is, az annyira nem vonzott, a kosarazást is (Nagyapám kosaras volt), de az maradt iskolai szinten. A sífutás és biatlon viszont nagyon vonzott. Akkor még a Miskolci Honvéd SE síszakosztályában volt élet, jó volt a társaság, ami fiatal korban elég nyomós ok. Először persze csak „szórakozás“ volt az egész, valamint „kötelező testmozgás”, aztán később én mondtam, hogy komolyan szeretném űzni a biatlont, szüleim tudván, ez nem olyan egyszerű Magyarországon, először erről inkább le szerettek volna beszélni, de miután belátták, ez nem megy, 100%-ig mellettem álltak.

Négy világbajnokságon és egy olimpián vehettél részt versenyzőként: melyik a legkedvesebb emléked?

Hát hogy melyik a legkedvesebb emlékem.... nem igazán lehet választani. Az első VB, amin részt vettem azért volt iszonyatosan nagy élmény, mert az volt az első világversenyem. Akiket addig a TV-ben láttam, ott futottak el mellettem a pályán,.. Olyan volt, mintha egy mesébe csöppentem volna bele. A nagy példaképem Uschi Disl megy mellettem a pályán, meg a többi Nagyok.... Szerintem ti tudjátok miről beszélek.
Az Olimpia az persze megint egy külön élmény. Az egyéniben jól mentem és csak 1 hibát lőttem, ez nagyszerű eredmény volt, már csak azért is, mert „még csak“ 19 éves múltam. Na meg a biatlon-sífutó záróbuli is nagyon jól sikerült.
Viszont kiemelnék egy Junior VB-t is. Amikor 2003-ban Zakopánéban 11. lettem egyéniben 0 hibával, az egy csodálatos érzés volt. Akkor, ha a negyedik nulla után kimész az utolsó körre, nem érzed, hogy fáj a futás, hogy jó néhány kilométer már a lábadban van. A boldogság sugárhajtású repülőgépként visz a célba.

Kik voltak azok az atléták, akikkel a legjobb viszonyt sikerült kialakítanod és kapcsolatban vagy-e még ma is valakikkel az akkori versenytársak közül?

Mivel én csak németül beszélek, így ebből az okból eleve le voltam korlátozva, valószínű e miatt is van az, hogy a német versenyzőkkel. Mint már említettem is, Uschi Disl volt a példaképem és vele nagyon szoros baráti kapcsolatba kerültem. Olyan szinten, hogy ö volt az esküvői tanúm is. Eddig sokszor találkoztunk, mert ő is Ausztriában élt, de 1 éve Svédországba költöztek, azóta csak telefonon tartjuk a kapcsolatot. Ha belegondolok, annó szinte oda se mertem menni hozzá, hiszen ő egy sikeres sportoló, én meg.... De nagyon egymásra találtunk. Az akkori nagy német csapat összes lány tagjával jóban voltam, több versenyző is adott nekem sít, segítettek ahogy tudtak, edzőtáboroztam velük. Uschin kívül Martina Beck-kel és Simone Hauswald-dal tartom jobban a kapcsolatot, telefonon és mailben, meg ők már voltak is nálam. A többiekkel pedig maradt a karácsonyi képeslapváltás.
Anna Sprunggal (osztrák) most éppenséggel együtt dolgozunk, a 10-14 éves stájermárki biatlon válogatott összefogása, felkészítése a feladatunk. A fő edzéseik a sportiskolában folynak, a lövészet viszont teljesen a mi irányításunk alatt folyik, valamint az edzőtáborok és versenyek is. Uiloq Slettemarkkal (grönlandi) és Elsbeth Straubbal (holland) is váltunk időnként néhány szót.

Figyelemmel követed-e még rendszeresen a versenyeket? Kik a kedvenceid a jelenlegi mezőnyből?

Igen, továbbra is figyelemmel követem a biatlont. Szerencsém van, mert a férjemet is sikerült megfertőznöm és a nagyobbik fiamat is. (Remélem a kicsit is sikerül majd:-) ) Ìgy mindannyian nagyon várjuk a versenyeket. Sajnos most az utolsó két évben nem voltunk sehol, de idén tervezzük megint, bízom benne, hogy össze is fog jönni.
Fiúk közül a németeknek és az osztrákoknak szoktam szurkolni. De a nagy OEB-nek is szorítok, hogy sikerüljön még neki egy érem az Olimpián. A lányoknál a németeknek, meg Domracheva is nagy kedvencem, a futóstílusa egyszerűen gyönyörű. De teljesen más volt olyanoknak szurkolni, akiket személyesen ismertem, akikkel voltak közös élményeim, emlékeim. De azért még így is bele tudom élni magamat.

Hogy látod: van-e valamiféle változás immár tíz év távlatából a biatlon akkori és mostani helyzete közt?

Magyar szinten szerintem nem javult a helyzet. Azok alapján amit én tudok és látok sajnos csak rosszabb lett. Nemzetközi szintem még jobban felkapottabb, még több pénz van benne, ahogy én látom. Ami azoknak akik az élen vannak, biztosan nagyon jó. Viszont a gyengébb nemzeteket lassan leépítik. Mint tudjuk a magyarok kijutása az Olimpiára nem fix. A mi időnkben ez nem így volt és ezt nem tartom pozitív változásnak.

Egyszer megígérted nekünk, hogy valamelyik világkupára elkíséred a magyar szurkolói csapatot: melyik lesz az?:)

Igen, ez így van! Remélem hamarosan. Mi szeretnénk végre Antholzba eljutni, de nem tudom, hogy össze fog-e jönni a következő szezonban. Hochfilzen van nekünk a legközelebb és gyerekekkel együtt talán az a legkönnyebb. De a férjemmel még nem konkrétizáltuk. Amint tudok valami fixet, jelentkezem.
De az információim szerint készültök Ramsauba, és bízom benne, hogy akkor összefutunk.

Köszönjük a beszélgetést – és igen, idén mindenképpen találkozunk!!!:)

Synnøve Solemdal birthday interview

Today we have a big surprise again, we have an interview with one of the most promising talent who lives in a country which is one of the biggest nation in biathlon. She is always kind and always smiling, she is a World Cup race winner, she is a World Champion, she became our big favourite in Nove Mesto, she has a special part in our heart... Yes, she is Synnøve Solemdal from Norway, who celebrate her birthday today!

BFH: Dear Synnøve, first Happy Birthday to you! I think you completed a very successful season in the World Cup. In Hochfilzen you won your first gold medal in the pursuit, and you won 4 times with the relay, from this you collected 2 gold in the World Championships. How did you see your last season? Was it your best season?

Synnøve: Thanks!:) Last season was probably my best season until now. I was very satisfied with the good races, but I always see things I can do better in the next season.

BFH: It was the first season when you win in different competitions. You have gold from an individual and from a team competition too. Which victory is more important for you?

Synnøve: The gold medal in the women's relay in Nove Mesto was the most important victory for me. I spend a lot of time with the other girls during the year and they are kind of my second family. When Tora passed the finish line I where so happy I almost started to cry. 
BFH: In the European Championships in 2010 you won the pursuit too. It is your favourite competiton?

Synnøve: Haha.. Yes I like pursuit very much!! 

BFH: Unfortunatly you couldn't complete your season, because you had health problems, and you couldn't start in Russia, but in the next season the Winter Olympic Games will be in Sochi. You couldn't gain any experience from the new track. What do you think? It could be a handicap for you or not?

Synnøve: My plan was to go to Sochi, but now I will try to have an open mind instead. I think if my summertraining is good I will be prepared to go good races anywhere. 

BFH: What's your goal in the next season? I think a gold medal from Sochi of course... 

Synnøve: I would like a gold medal for sure, but its really hard competition. I want to be better and better every season, if i can do that Im satisfied.  

BFH: You became better and better year by year. What do you think, could you grow up to Tora in a few years or beat she? 

Synnove: I hope so, until now I have been very lucky 

BFH: Now the training starts, you started to prepare yourself to the next season, but before it you have some free time. How did you spend it? Could you live for your hobbies? What are they?

Synnøve: I like to meet family and friends from home. During the season I don't have the chance to meet them. So I try to meet them as often as I can during the holidays. 

BFH: How often do you go for cross-country skiing just for your own pleasure, when the sun is sparkling on the snow, or the regular training program is enough for you?

Synnøve: I don't go any cross-country skiing during the season. But after the season I like to go skiing in the mountains. 

BFH: Do you have motivation for the everyday hard training? I think skiing is a great pleasure itself, isn’t it?

Synnøve: I love to train! What I love about biathlon is that we can do so many different things. During the summer we train running, bicycling, roller skiers and strength and during the winter we train both classic and skate and of course we also have shooting. So there is really no time to get bored!

  

BFH: Do you like alpine skiing? Do you do it anyway?

Synnøve: Yes i like alpine skiing, but Im not so tough when its really steep. I try to get tougher so I also can get better in the downhills in biathlon. 

BFH: Finally, thank you for all what we became from you in Nove Mesto, the bib, the photo with you, and a lots of smiles. What memories do you have from the Hungarian fans? What were the most important moments for you?

Synnøve: I have many good memories from the Hungarian fans. I remember they where smiling and cheering every time I passed them in the track. I think it was very nice of them and it meant a lot to me! 

Thank you for your answer, we wish you the best to the next season!