Nathalie Santer explains: This is how biathlon has changed

Nathalie Santer, how do you experience the IBU Cup here in Martell? Natalie Santer: “It’s always nice here in Martell. We have wintry weather, the competitions were very fair – what more could you want.”

To be honest: As a former biathlete, wouldn't you be tempted to compete again in this great winter weather with snowfall?

“(laughs) In conditions like this I prefer to run at a leisurely pace. It is incredibly strenuous and tedious to compete in such conditions, also because the snowflakes can get in the sights. However, when I was still active myself, my motto was: the harder the better.”

Nathalie Santer caused a sensation as a biathlete. © ukn

How has the sport of biathlon changed or developed since you retired?

“I think that the sport of biathlon made its greatest development during my career, between the time I started and the end of my career. When I started, I - like many of my competitors - needed 50 seconds at the shooting range. At the end of my career there were 25. Sure, now the times have decreased again, but the really big development took place between the 1990s and the mid-2000s. Today the biathletes have become even more complete. There are no longer good shooters or good runners – they are ‘real’ biathletes.”

You have been on the IBU board for just over a year now. How do you like this new task?

“It's a great challenge. Above all, you see the sport from a completely different perspective. I was an athlete, worked in an OC myself, was a technical delegate in cross-country skiing and now I have this job here. I hope I can make my contribution. It’s been very interesting so far.”

“Martell is prepared for the 2025 European Championship.” Nathalie Santer

Which areas are you responsible for?

“I work a lot with the organizing committees because I have had a lot of experience in this area myself. I also actively follow the development of biathlon.”

Here in Martell, this IBU Cup is the dress rehearsal for the 2025 European Championships. In your opinion, is the team around OK President Georg Altstätter prepared for the title fights in a year's time?

"Absolutely. From what I can see so far, everything is going smoothly. An event like this requires a lot of volunteers and people who are passionate about the sport. I feel like that's the case here in Martell. And Martell is also guaranteed to have snow, so I have no concerns from that point of view either. Martell is prepared.”

Nathalie Santer in Antholz.

Which competitions will you attend this winter?

“I'm going to Ruhpolding this week, then of course I'll be in Antholz (laughs) and will also pay a visit to the World Cup in February in Nove Mesto na Morave. However, I won’t be watching the competitions overseas on site.”

Keyword Antholz: To what extent are you involved in the Olympic preparations in Antholz?

“The IBU, the National Olympic Committee (CONI) and the IOC work closely together. That's why I'm indirectly involved, of course. But it is its own committee and so far I have not been directly involved. I believe that they have enough competent people to organize the Olympics in Antholz. Antholz and the IBU are a well-rehearsed team and I believe that there are the fewest problems with biathlon with a view to Milan Cortina 2026.”

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Nathalie Santer explains: This is how biathlon has changed

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