We are the first official, IBU registered biathlon fan club from Hungary. We are crazy, but we love everybody, who loves us! Don't forget our slogen: Impossible is nothing! :)
Follow us also on facebook.:)
Sokan próbálták már leírni a csoda fogalmát - sikertelenül. Azt gondolom, hogy a Biathlon Fans Hungary tagjaiként idén nem megmagyaráztuk, nem leírtuk; mi ezt átéltük. Egy olyan év végén vagyunk, mely során egymás számára korábban ismeretlen emberek éltek át közösen olyan élményeket a világ legfantasztikusabb sportolóinak közegében, melyről álmodni sem mertünk. Mindennek az alapját természetesen Nove Mesto adta meg. Az a februári 9 nap egy utópia megvalósulása volt, ahol minden sikerült: a pályabejárástól a fényképekig, a rajtszámoktól a hosszabb beszélgetésekig - és hogy mi volt az egésznek a legnagyobb tanulsága? Az, hogy ezek a csodálatos sportolók igenis igénylik a szeretetet, a biztatást; igenis szeretik érezni, hogy megéri ezért hónapokat kőkeményen edzeni: mi vagyunk értük, mindegyikükért, legyen első, vagy nyolcvankettedik... A küzdelem belül van, a bizonyítás pedig önmagamnak a legfontosabb...
A legnagyszerűbb pillanatok itt:
Valamint egy felejthetetlen élő adásos "bejelentkezés", melyet egy Eurosportos látogatás követett Vörös Csabinál: Eurosport élő adás S persze ne feledkezzünk meg az első nemzetközi interjúnkról a norvég Tv-nek. :) Norvég TV interjú élő adásban Eztán eljött a tavasz, véget ért a szezon... De mi nem tudunk biatlon nélkül meglenni, mi is lehet a megoldás? Megkeressük és interjút készítünk közeli és távoli kedvenceinkkel, akik örömest álltak a rendelkezésünkre. :) Kanadától Új-Zélandig csaknem 30 biatlonos adott nekünk exkluzív interjút, köztük világbajnokok és olimpiai érmesek (Synnoeve Solemdal, Hilde Fenne, Marie Dorin-Habert), korábbi biatlonosok (Martina Beck vagy kedvencünk Szöllősi Ivett (aki leszervezte a Martina interjút). Mindemellett igyekeztünk figyelni itthonra is: megszólaltattuk Emőke és Charlie mellett fiatal anyaországi és külhoni tehetségeink közül Veres Mirellát és Búzás Dorottyát. A honlap jobb oldalán látható idézetekből látható: sikerült nyomot hagyni a versenyzőkben, és feltenni Magyarországot a biatlonos térképre. S mindeközben sikerrel "jelentkeztünk be" az IBU hivatalos szurkolói csoportjai közé: Official IBU fanclubs
Ám ahogy telt az idő, úgy éreztük egyre jobban a hiányát a személyes kontaktnak... Mit is tehetnénk? Menjünk el nézzük meg a fiúkat-lányokat edzés közben! Az első nyári túránk keretében Antholz és Obertilliach volt a cél, ahol az észt és az olasz csapattal találkoztunk és kerültünk még közelebbi kapcsolatba. Summer Tour 1 képek ...és a kis ajándékunk is feltűnt a sportolók saját blogjain, mint például itt: Johanna blog Bátraknak egy hosszabb összeállítás erről a túráról. :) Summer Tour videó Nem kellett csak bő egy hónap, és újra úton voltunk, ezúttal egy még nagyobb körre: Ramsau - Obertilliach - Pokljuka volt a cél, és a magyar, kanadai, román, francia, lett és szlovén csapatok voltak a célkeresztünkben. Ramsauban Charlienál laktunk, Ivettel körbejártuk a települést és a sírollerpályát, a magyar csapattal töltött közös idő után még a három kanadai sráccal kezdtük el a "magyaróráinkat".
Obertilliachba már-már hazamentünk: újra magyar szó hallatszott (Éva-Réka-Orsi), interjú az összes francia hölggyel, majd a csapatbusszal és Marie-val vissza a szállásra:
Délután lövészet a lett csapattal, majd közös beszélgetés velük a szálláson. Eztán másnap az elképzelhetetlen kategória: pokljukai sírollerezés és lövészet, tanárbácsi Jakov Fak és Peter Dokl, egészen hihetetlen!!!!
No és természetesen ők sem maradhattak ki a nyelvleckéből, ami talán az év legkirályabb videója lett. :D
Belinkelek még négy interjút, amire igazán büszkék lehetünk: 1. Magyar interjú Obertilliachban
2. Sikerült Karin Oberhoferrel németül interjút készíteni (saját gyenge tudásomra gondolok persze...) Karin Oberhofer 3. Mari Laukkanen ad-hoc interjúja egész összeszedett lett (rá nem számítottunk Ramsauban) Mari Laukkanen 4. Marie Dorin-Habert pedig nagyon akart nekünk nyilatkozni, szerintem most beszélt életében a leghosszabb ideig összefüggően angolul. :)
Summer Tour 2 képek A szezon előtt megjelent egy meglepő, de annál jólesőbb cikk rólunk egy brit biatlonrajongó hölgy jóvoltából: Hungary for biathlon! Eztán nem volt megállás, eljött az új idény és Hochfilzen: immáron hatan Magyarországról (+ Ivették a közelből) voltunk ott a gyönyörű tiroli völgyben, ahol megint beszédesek a képek: Képgaléria Hochfilzen 2013 Egy újabb megjelenés, ezúttal a kanadai Rosanna Crawfordnál :) Rosanna blog Emellett újabb interjúk: a szlovén és a norvég TV is kiszúrt bennünket; fotós szekciónk számos egészen parádés fényképet készített, melyek bejárták az internetet, és újra kellően hangosak és energikusak voltunk, sikerült kellő hangerővel szurkolni mindenkinek... Emőkének külön köszönet, hogy eljött és itt versenyzett, fantasztikus nap volt!!!!
Végül évzárásként sikerült kizárólag nekünk szóló karácsonyi üzeneteket begyűjteni (Sanyi nagy voltál)!
Ha már Sanyi: ne feledjük, hogy két hivatalos biatlon bulit is sikerült tartanunk saját jól bejáratott DJ-nkkel, az egyiket vb hivatalos kísérőprogramjaként:
A másikat pedig a hochfilzeni versenyek közti éjszakákban... DJ 911 in D&D S hogy mennyire vagyunk "zakkantak"? Íme három bizonyíték: Hochfilzeni büntetőkör:
...hivatalos járgányunk és a személyzet... :D
Valamint a "The Voice" különkiadása valahol az Északi-középhegységben... Ákos nr 1. :) Indul a lavina... Ezt még felsorolni is hosszú volt, hát még átélni... Köszönet mindenkinek, hogy ilyen nyitottak vagytok, köszönet azért, hogy szurkolhatunk nektek, köszönet simán csak azért, hogy vagytok - maradjatok, maradjunk mindig ilyenek!!!! S hogy mi lesz jövőre??? Jön a folytatás... :) Gyertek Pokljukára, hiszen minden magyar szurkolót meghívott Jakov Fak:
Mindenkinek boldog új évet, legalább olyat, mint az idei volt!!!!
Today we have a birthday interview again. We
travel back to one of the most lovely nation... you know right, it's
Estonia. We have interview with Kristel Vigipuu.
BFH: First, we all would like to wish HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you and say
thank you to accept our request, you have made us happy! How are you
now, how goes your preparation?
Kristel: Thank you very much for the birthday wishes!! I am doing fine and so far my preparation has gone fine also. Right now we are having a camp in Anterselva, Italy. It’s our first camp abroad, so it’s really good and refreshing to do trainings here.
BFH: You had took part some races during your preparation. Are you
statisfied with your performances or you felt some more effort in
yourself?
Kristel: Yes i took part of Biathlon cross European
Championships in Haanja, Estonia. I’m not really satisfied with my
performance because my shooting was bad- i shot many penalties in
standing. But it’s summertime and these were my first competitions so i
don’t worry about it.
BFH: You already have experiences from
Olympic Games. You were one of the Estonian biathletes in Vancouver in
2010. How did you feel yourself there? You were only 19 years old.
Kristel: I felt good to be on the Olympic Games! It’s been one of my
dreams to reach there and for me it happened when i was 19. I think
because of that i didn’t have much pressure on me, everyone told me to
do my own competitions and enjoy it.
BFH: What do you
think, could your olympic memories help you on the hard way to Sochi? I
think your participation in the next Winter Olympic Games is your
absolutely main goal to your next season. How do you see your chances?
Kristel: Yes think my Olympic memories are helping me, i know what the
Games are like and that i would really-really like to compete there
again. Chances...Our nation can send 4 women to the Olympics and 5
athletes are fighting for the tickets, So i think it’s not impossible.
BFH: You didn't start in any competition in Sochi last winter, and lot
of athletes said it's one of the hardest place in the world. What do you
think is it right, or fortunately you like this type of tracks?
Kristel: I didn’t take part of any World Cup competitions in Sochi
because i wasn’t there. But I watched the races from TV and heard many
athletes opinion that Sochi tracks are crazy hard, some of them even
told that they’re not sure they’d like to go to the Olympics anymore. So
i don’t know yet if i like those tracks, I have to see them with my own
eyes and ski there before i can answer this question.
BFH: Unfortunately in the last season you couldn't earn any World Cup
points, but it could be change in the next winter. What'll be your main
goal in the next World Cup season by the Olympic participation?
Kristel: My last season was bad, i did only few normal competitions. So
i haven’t put any main goals yet, but sure i want to have much better
season and earn World Cup points again!
BFH: Are you planning to start in any competition before winter?
Kristel: Yes i am, We have Estonian Championships in September on
rollerskis and first snowcamp comps in Finland. Both of these are
control competitions who’s going to the first World Cups.
BFH: Now, please tell to us something about the beginnings. When did you start biathlon and why?
Kristel: I started with biathlon ten years ago when i was 13 years old.
My brother started with biathlon first and then i thought i’d like to
try also, so one day i went with him to our Ski Club. People were nice
and friendly, Coach was kind and i liked the atmosphere, these were the
first reasons why i started to do biathlon. But when i learned to ski
and got to shoot with rifle first time- i had new reasons...i just
started to love this sport!!
BFH: How do you motivate yourself during races and trainings day by day? What is your biggest dream in your career?
Kristel: I do what i love to do and that’s what motivates me. I don’t
talk about my dreams out loud but i would really like to do and achieve
something big!
BFH: Biathletes are very busy, they haven't got so much free times, but if you have some... what do you usually like to do?
Kristel: If i have free time i try to get together with my friends-
catch up with them, have a car trip in Estonia and do something fun
together.
BFH: I think Biathlon Fans Hungary is one of your
team's biggest supporter. Have you got some special message to us and to
the other Hungarian fans?
Kristel: I’m really happy that we have fans in Hungary and that you
find time to make these interviews. So keep on doing it, enjoy life and
be happy!!
Till now we asked athletes from 18 nations,
but today we will explore a new country, a new culture in biathlon. A
little young girl found us, and now we would like to know a bit more
about her. Today we have interview with Baiba Bendika from Latvia.
BFH: Dear Baiba, thank you very much to accept our interview request.
We was very happy when we saw your like in our page. What sparked your
interest in us?
Baiba: Some of my friend had put "like" to one of your posts and so I looked your page closer and found some really interesting information there and nice interviews to read!
BFH: When did you start biathlon, and why did you choose this beautiful sport?
Baiba: I was really young, it could be 2001 I think, but first biathlon
medal I have from 2005. My first trainer is my dad's old trainer, so..
But when I was young I also participated in orienteering sport, running,
skiing and floorball, but I chose biathlon, because I loved it the
most!
BFH: How popular is biathlon in Latvia? Do you get enough support from your country and from your fans?
Baiba: Now popularity is going down a little bit, so it's sad, because
now we even can't form the woman relay team. But emotional support is
good and it's really helps! other side is financial support..
BFH: Every athletes are different. Somebodies like flat tracks, and
somebodies like hilly tracks. And you? Which places are your favourites?
You completed your pesonally best in Nove Mesto. Is it one of them?
Baiba: I would like to say that I like safe tracks, like one of my
favorites are Beitostolen and Antholz-Anterselva, so it's something in
the middle between flat and hilly tracks. But Nove Mesto is in my "ok"
track group.
BFH: You are very young, in this winter you
completed your 2nd season in the World Cup series. How can you summarize
your performance? Are you statisfied?
Baiba: This year I
started only in one World cup and I wasn't ready to start in altitude
like it is in Antholz, so I had bad performance there. But in IBU cups I
had quite good season and some good progress, so I would like to say
that my season was good.
BFH: You have chance to take part in
your first Olympic Games in the next year in Sochi. I think now you are
more motivated than ever. What do you think about your chances, and what
are your goals in Sochi when you can start there?
Baiba: My
chance is 1 out of 3, because we are 3 girls in team, but we have one
place to Sochi. And possibilities are quite similar, Ţanna is faster in
track, but she is not so good in shooting range, and with Inga we are
quite similar in track and shooting. So the selection competitions will
be really interesting. But if I get to Sochi, my goal will be just do
all my best!
BFH: What are your goals in the World Cup season? Maybe reach your first point?
Baiba: Second year we have only one place in World Cups, so now I don't
know in how much of them I will start, but points would be wonderfull,
but I think it's not yet this year's goal. But in IBU Cup I want to see
myself in Top 20!
BFH: You just completed your first bigger
competition in your preparation time in Estonia in the Summer Open
European Championships. What do you think now your work and your
results? You are on a right way or you have some things what you should
improve in yourself?
Baiba: It absolutely was good positive
emotion dose! And I am really happy with my 5th place in sprint! And the
relay and sprint gave me more confidence in shooting range, but I have
very much work to improve my speed in track.
BFH: What habits do you have before the races? Have you got mascots?
Baiba: I think that I haven't special habits before races. Maybe like
habit I can call special diet before races, but so I just try to stay
positive before start. And like a mascot I have latvian flag wristband
with aperture insert from my old rifle.
BFH: Now, please tell
to us something about your private life. What do you like to do, and how
do you spend your free times between the races and seasons?
Baiba: So that I haven't much free time, one of my favorite activities
in free time are to sleep late with my boyfriend, watch some film and
just spend some good time with family, have some picnic or some trip in
nature. But in camps and races when I am away from home I rest, make
some fun with teammates and do some works for university.
BFH:
You must to know that, we will be in Hochfilzen, and of course we also
will cheer to you during the competitions as loud as we can. Finally,
have you got a special message to the Hungarian fans?
Baiba: I hope that I will be there! And keep making nice interviews to read, it's also good way to as athletes to know each other!
Thank you very much the interview, we wish you the best in your career!
Today we travel a lot... to the other end of
the world again. We take a trip to New Zealand, to have an interview
with Sarah 'Hurricane' Murphy.
BFH: Dear Sarah, thank you to accept our interview request. Some people
know you as a Hurricane. How become this nickname for you?
Sarah: No problem
Well, there are a few reasons for the nickname I guess, but mainly it
is because I seem to arrive suddenly, cause some sort of disaster, and
then go. Also, because I seem to have a boat load of energy and I'm usually just running around crazily.
BFH: You were born in Canada, and you started your career in Canadian
colours. Why did you change nation and why special New Zealand did you
choose?
Sarah: Yep- started racing in Canada, but because I
grew up in both New Zealand and Canada I had two passports. I was given
the chance to help develop the sport in New Zealand and be the first
female biathlete for the country. I love both countries though
BFH: In New Zealand you are the only one female biathlete. How popular is biathlon in there?
Sarah: It's growing! We just had a great camp with some kiwis, Aussies,
Swedes, Japanese athletes and some wee Canadians. The Wanaka biathlon
club (only biathlon club in New Zealand) is growing, and next year there
are some young athletes heading to Sweden for an exchange.
BFH: A lot of athletes from the little nations need some help during the
races and preparation times. I think you feel the same. Which nations
give you the most help? Who is your best friend from the athletes?
Sarah: I think every nation has helped me at some point. I traveled
with Ukraine for 2 seasons, Slovenia waxed my skis this season, Poland
has always been a huge help, GBR are always good to have a laugh with,
and some of my childhood friends are on the Canadian team. Its hard to
say who the best friends are as everyone is so friendly.
BFH: You train alone or you join to other nations?
Sarah: Now I am training alone. Last year I lived in Switzerland which
was an interesting experience, but now I am really happy to be back in
New Zealand. There are a lot of athletes who come to train here in the
winter, so it is a really nice training atmosphere.
BFH: In
2010 you took part in the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. You also
celebrated there your 22nd birthday. What memories do you have about the
Olympic Games? How did you live it?
Sarah: The Olympics were
an amazing experience- I think I was in a daze the whole time. My races
were not great, but the energy of the games was something I will never
forget.
BFH: The next year will be an Olympic year again. You
are the only one athlete from your nation, so you are in a very
difficult situation. How do you see your chances for Sochi?
Sarah: Well…it is looking like I will need a miracle. I do not have any
support from my nation, so it is really tough to train like all the
other teams. New Zealand has set a tough qualifying standard for me and I
have to complete it before Christmas to qualify. I am still confident I
can do it, but it is going to be hard.
BFH: What are your other goals for the next season? I think a reached World Cup point could make you very statisfied.
Sarah: Yep, that would be nice. I was close before the last Olympics
with 43rd, but never quite made it into the top 40. I would of course
love to qualify for the Olympics.
BFH: In what races can meet a fans with you in this off-season?
Sarah: Any really. I am pretty approachable. I will be in Idre, Ostersund, Hochfilzen, and Le Grande-Bornand.
BFH: In the IBU datacenter everybody can read a very interesting hobby
on your page. It's sheep shearing. Everybody know in New Zealand are a
lot of sheeps, it's a very traditional event there, it have a lot of
competitions too. Are you good in it? What are you love in it?
Sarah: To be honest, I haven't done much sheep shearing lately.
Although last night, we did shoot a possum. Just a wee bit of NZL
biathlon truing
BFH: Finally, please tell to us, have you good memories with the Hungarian fans? Have you got a special message?
Sarah: Yep, Emoke and Charlie are great. We have many great memories
together. I am looking forward to seeing them this coming season!
BFH: Thank you the interview, we wish you all the best for the preparation and the next season too!
Sarah: Thanks so much! If anyone wants to help me to try to qualify, they can check out this page: http://www.plumfund.com/pf/OlympicDream Take care, have fun and smile!!! xx Sarah
Today we countinue our trip in Estonia. After Johanna Talihärm and Grete Gaim we asked Dasha Yurlova about her career and plans.
BFH: Dear Dasha, thank you to accept our interview request. In the last
season you came closer and closer to the top 40. How can you summarize
your last season? Are you statisfied or you expected more of yourself?
Dasha: This year I definitely felt the development but only in the ski
course. Unfortunately, my shooting wasn't very good and it was a big minus
BFH: You took part in the Junior World Championships too. There you had
great results. You were 10th in the sprint and 6th in the pursuit.
During the pursuit you defeated some also talented athletes from the
bigger nations. Was it a good feeling for you? How did you see your
races?
Dasha: In the championship I was a little disappointed,
because missed the opportunity to get a medal. but I am always looking
for only the positive aspects. Indeed, my speed was very good and had a
good feeling, because I was competing with very strong girls
BFH: Next season is an Olympic season. You can prepare yourself to your
first Winter Olympic games. I think it'll be the most important race in
your career so far. What results would you be statisfied?
Dasha: Yes, I want to go to the Olympics, and now busily preparing for it. I think that this year I can count on the top 40
BFH: Beside by the Olympic games a new World Cup season will wait for
you. You'll have a chance again to reach your first points. It'll be
your main goal for the next season?
Dasha: Spite of the Olympic Games, the World Cup is an important competition. I think it is time to get changed into points.
BFH: Your team is very young and looks very motivated. You have many
good results from Junior World Championships. What do you think, your
hard work and great motivation is enough to grow up to the top nations
in some years?
Dasha: I hope so. Every girl in our team are
motivated, it is important that the Estonian biathlon federation has
helped us to develop
BFH: We were in Nove Mesto in the World
Championships. Unfortunately we saw only one Estonian flag during the
competitions. Do you usually meet with fans from your country in
different places?
Dasha: Of our country, I almost never see the fans. This is usually relatives or close friends of the athletes.
BFH: In Nove Mesto you started only in the mixed relay and in the sprint. You have problems or your coach took this decision?
Dasha: My junior championship was so intense that my body broke down and I got sick.
BFH: In this beautiful summer are you planning to take part in some summer competitions before the winter season?
Dasha: This year will be the European Championships Summer Biathlon in Haanja (EST). There we will participate
BFH: When did you started biathlon, and why did you choose this sport? I
think you already have a lot of experiences. What were your most
memorable moments in your career?
Dasha: I started when I was 8
years old. It was like a game for me. My family is very athletic and
all skied but at the amateur level. I remember when I won my first medal
at the first competition in skiing. I was very motivated and I began to
quickly train
BFH: Now, please tell some words about you. What
do you usually like to do? Have you some hobbies? How do you spend your
rest times between the seasons?
Dasha: Usually, between
training camps, I spend time at home and with friends. Now, I went to
university, and I will dedicate my time to studying.
BFH: The
Estonian team is one of the most sympatic teams for us. We were your
biggest supporters in Nove Mesto and we'd like to hold our position in
your life! Have you got a special message to the Hungarian fans?
Dasha: If there would be no fans, there would be no sport. Thank you for your support!
Thank you the interview, we wish you a successful preparation and a perfect season for you!
After the Summer World Championships we can't
stop ourselves, we get more impetus, and we continue our interviews.
Today we asked a brand new biathlete. She just started her career with a
perfect performance. Now, keep calm, and read our interview with the
young Slovenian rocket Anja Eržen.
BFH: Dear Anja, thank you to
accept our interview request. You are a new girl in biathlon, until
this time you went skiing in cross country competitions. Please tell to
us when did you start your career?
Anja: My career started in 2002, we went cross-country skiing with our
school and there I met a teacher, who was also a cross-country trainer
in a club, to which I joined later. But the biggest influence on me had
my uncle, who was a very successful biathlete, Janez Maric. My family,
especially grandparents, always wanted me to become a biathlete, and at
the beginning I was pretty sure myself I will become one, but then my
path took the other direction, cross-country skiing.
BFH: You
have a lot of top 10 places and wins in your ages in cross country, but
you choosed biathlon for the next season. Why? You aren't statisfied
with your efforts, or you would like to looking for some new challenges?
Anja: Well, the
conditions in Slovenian cross-country skiing were not so good in the
last few years. The biggest thing that bothered me was that they were
changing national team trainer every two years and because of that also
the whole training system changed. In the last year I lost a lot of my
motivation. A lot of talented cross-country skiers ended their careers
and I didn’t want to be one of them because I love this sport so much.
Last year during summer I met a friend of mine from Germany, who was a
cross-country skier but have decided to become a biathlete and she did
some really good results this season, so she made me think a lot about
biathlon. Not to mention my family, who are now continuously bothering
me with: ‘’We told you so! Why didn’t you listen before!’’:)
BFH: How do you feel yourself in the world of biathlon? What were your first feelings and what do you like in this sport?
Anja: I absolutely love it! Biathletes are much more relaxed and
communicative. I’ve met more biathletes from other countries in one week
than I did cross-country skiers in 11 years. Everybody knows everybody
and they are always so positive. And our team is so amazing. Even though
there are not many girls, the boys are great and they are always up for
some fun. Not to mention the trainers, I really trust in their training
system and they are always willing to help and explain me new things.
I also really like the shooting. My uncle made me a wooden part of the
riffle, so it’s made by my measurements. I like the fact that the
results depend not only on skiing but also on shooting.
BFH: Now you have different trainings, because you had to learn shoot. Was it difficult or you could learn it easy?
Anja: I think I learned it pretty fast, at least my shooting coach says
so. Of course there is still a lot of work to be done, but I am very
motivated and up for it. Especially I need to learn to be faster and
catch the right rhythm. And of course the standing shooting still gives
me some hard time, especially on races, but I will work on that too, I
promise.
BFH: You
already started in a big competition, and you reached absolutely
perfect results. You missed the podium place with only 3,5 seconds in
the sprint and you came in the 7th position in the pursuit. How can you
summarize your first Summer World Championships? Are you statisfied with
yourself?
Anja: I
am pretty satisfied, especially with my running. I just graduated from
gymnasium and because of all the studying I started training pretty
late. The shooting was expected. In the sprint it was okay because there
were only 2 shootings. If only I didn’t miss that 4 targets standing.
The pursuit was hard for me because of more shooting but I am still very
happy with my results.
BFH: Sochi is coming, but you already
have memories from Vancouver, you was only 17 years old. Could you tell
to us what special feelings did you have during that Olympic Games?
Anja: The Olympic Games in Vancouver were an amazing experience. I felt
really lucky to be a part of it. The people were so friendly, you could
fell the Olympic spirit. The intention of me participating was the
relay. But unfortunately Petra Majdic got injured and we didn’t make the
result, we wanted. But still, I had great two weeks in Canada and I
will remember it forever.
BFH: Vancouver is the past.. Now,
let's talk about Sochi! You must prove in a new kind of sport. How do
you see your chances to take part in the next Winter Olympic Games?
Anja: Well, I am older now and I have a different view on such big
competitions like Olympic Games. I want to participate but only if I
know I can do a good result. I don’t think you can count on me in Sochi,
but we’ll see. I really want to prove myself. I want to deserve it.
BFH: In November you can start your first biathlon World Cup season. What are your goals for that season?
Anja: First I will start IBU cups and then we’ll see how that goes.
It’s too soon to talk about World Cup. My main goal for now is to
improve shooting skills and then we’ll go from there.
BFH: You
are still very young. Only 20 years old. You are in the beginning of a
beautiful career. What could be your main goal in your career? Have you
ever thought about that?
Anja: Of course I thought about that.
My main goal is to be a successful biathlete and of course to win an
Olympic medal. Doesn’t everybody want that?
BFH: We and I think also the other fans would like to know more about
you. Please tell to us something about your private life. What do you do
between the seasons and trainings? Have you got hobbies? Have you
special habits before the races?
Anja: I like to travel. But in
the last few years there weren’t many chances for that because I had to
finish school. I hope there will be more in the future. I also like to
bake. But I have to find some recipes for healthier treats, otherwise my
teammates will get fat.
And I love knitting. Right now I have a project to make the whole team
the same caps in the same colour (Olympic colours of Slovenia). I’ve
already started because I have to make like 20 caps by autumn.
Before the race I only do one thing. Before I go to sleep, I go through
the whole track in my mind. On the day of the competition I am focused
on the warming-up. Nothing special, really. I try to be as relaxed as
possible.
BFH: We already bought our tickets to Hochfilzen, so
you also can count on our cheers. Your team mates already felt in Nove
Mesto how can we cheer to our favourites. Finally, what special messages do you have to the Hungarian Fans?
Anja: First, I would like to thank for the support! I will do
everything that’s in my power to be the best I can be. I am looking
forward to hearing you during the competitions! And thank you for the interview, it was my pleasure.
Thank you the interview, we wish a successful season to you!
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 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!!!
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!
„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!!!
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!
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!
