This is how Federica Sanfilippo is planning her new life

The former world-class biathlete and cross-country skier talks to us in an interview about her “new life” – where sport will play a major role again.

A few weeks ago, shortly before the end of the season, you announced your retirement as an active cross-country skier. When did you decide to do this?

Federica Sanfilippo: Actually at the beginning of the season. But I didn't want to make it public until the end of the season. Only a small circle of friends and the coaching staff knew at the start of the season. The decision was made last summer. After half a season as a cross-country skier, I asked myself what to do next, especially since I was having a hard time in the classic style. Cross-country skiing at World Cup level but only in the skating discipline is not ideal, as you are quite limited.

They switched from biathlon to cross-country skiing in January 2023. The decisive factor for this was, among other things, the fact that they were not taken into account for the World Cup in Antholz and the resulting loss of the Biathlon World Cup opportunity. Were you able to complete your career as a ski hunter over time?

Switching to cross-country skiing was a total change, a different sport, so to speak. I soon made peace with the sport of biathlon. I am a person who adapts quickly to circumstances. I don't hold grudges. Maybe everything was right the way it happened. Ultimately, cross-country skiing opened a new door for me. I tried to take advantage of this opportunity. It simply took these one and a half years of cross-country skiing.

What was the best success of your rather short cross-country skiing career? I took away many beautiful moments. Being able to compete in the World Cup almost immediately was a satisfaction. Participation in the 2023 Cross Country World Championships was a great success. In particular, it was the group, the people, the cross-country skiing family that made the beautiful moments.

Federica Sanfilippo was most recently active in the cross-country skiing World Cup. © Pierre Teyssot / Pentaphoto

How have you experienced the last few weeks?

Intensive. After the season, family and friends in Ridnaun organized a nice celebration for me. Last weekend the program included a few days of vacation on Lake Garda with Dorothea Wierer and biathlon friends. Immediately after the season, I was full of motivation and started my new job as a biathlon shooting trainer for the police sports group.

Are you staying involved in the sport of biathlon?

Yes. And that makes me very happy. I have lots of ideas and want to face the challenges. At first it will be strange to be there as a trainer. But I'm looking forward to this interesting work.

What are your responsibilities?

I train young talents who are on the move and are under observation by the police sports group at the shooting range. For now, I will be taking part in national races in particular.

Have you also followed the sport of biathlon in recent years?

Naturally. Just because of my friend Doro ( Note: Dorothea Wierer ) and because of my partner Louis Deschamps, who is the coach of the French team. Of course, people always talk about biathlon.

What's on the agenda for the next few weeks?

At the beginning of May we're going on vacation to Vietman for two weeks. But that's enough when it comes to switching off. Immediately afterwards, preparation for the season begins for me as a coach. Planning and analysis cannot begin soon enough.

Do you continue to actively practice sports yourself?

I can't stop it completely. At least as a hobby. In the summer months I will be cycling more often. Among other things, I want to take part in the Maratona dles Dolomites in July and do the medium or long distance this year. But without time pressure and just to enjoy the race. In winter I want to put on my cross-country skis again in my free time. First and foremost, I just want to stay fit for myself. I don't worry about whether I take part in a fun run or not.

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This is how Federica Sanfilippo is planning her new life

A few days with her friends around Dorothea Wierer and Co. on Lake Garda. A vacation in Vietnam. And yet she is already looking ahead, to her career after her career. Federica Sanfilippo has a clear plan.

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