Lisa Vittozzi: The great role model

Of course, nothing in winter sports works without a start number. An additional item of clothing often has to be put on over the usual racing suit, regardless of the sport. The print on it is worth a lot of money because of its visibility. Sponsors can present themselves there in a decent size and surround the respective start number. And it's hard to believe: they are sometimes still attached with safety pins. The American mechanic Walter Hunt patented this design in 1849. Life without them would still be unthinkable today. The biathletes, in contrast to the track and field athletes, have left the small steel construction behind them and put on specially made jerseys, which then look quite impressive over the anorak when the prizes are handed out.

During the race, however, they are hardly a problem, even if their weight seems to change depending on the racing situation. Ask Lisa Vittozzi. I assume that a printed vest like this weighs around 300 grams. For the Italian from Sappada (Plodn), she suddenly had the weight of a lead vest at her last appearance this season, the mass start in Canmore. She missed twice in the first prone stage and, with two penalties, was almost the last runner back on the course. And suddenly victory in the overall World Cup seemed a long way off, despite the 61-point lead she had secured from her two previous victories in Canada.

The burden of leadership Number one was now a burden, an additional weight that apparently only she had to carry with her onto the fortunately well-prepared slope. The big dream of becoming the second Azzurra after Dorothea Wierer to win the big crystal ball made her legs heavy. Every step seemed to be torture and the closing targets 50m away became smaller and smaller with every shot. Vittozzi lost her lightness. She ultimately had to go into the penalty loop five times. More times than ever before in a race this season. The fear of their ever-growing fan base of a disaster, a failure on the finish line, was palpable. Ultimately, she also benefited from the declining concentration of her worst opponent in the fight for the overall World Cup, Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold.

If the Norwegian had only made one mistake instead of her three, it would have been tight again. As it was, the Norwegian came eighth and because there are only minimal gaps in the middle and bottom results range when awarding points, it was enough for Vittozzi, who received 21 points for her 20st place (the worst placement of the entire season). Tandrevold only got 34 points for her eighth place and so Vittozzi's lead was only reduced by 14 points from the existing 61. Even though it visually looked like it was extremely exciting, it was basically decided after the first standing stage.

A warm hug at the finish The “yellow jersey”, a symbol of top position in many sports, was actually no stranger to Vittozzi. She got it after the first competition of the season, when she won the individual competition in Östersund, Sweden. She had to give it up again in the second race and saw it again and again with her competitor until Canmore. Every attempt to do so subsequently came to nothing. On the flight from Soldier Hollow (USA) to Canada, Trandrevold had the object of desire in her suitcase. Vittozzi dreamed of a big hit for 17 races, just like she did once before when she lost to Dorothea Wierer on the home straight in Oslo five years ago and only finished 68th in the sprint. It is not known whether memories of this reappeared like a ghost. But it has become clear that this “yellow jersey” can also be a burden and that it is sometimes harder to defend it than to win it. Only when she was handed the Italian flag on the route, still hidden from the cameras, and she turned into the finish straight, did the hundredweight load seem to fall away from her. Now finally the “yellow jersey” shone like a sun and framed the charming smile of Lisa Vittozzi, who exuded so much sympathy and modesty, who then admitted that she cried like a baby in the last few meters.

The moment of happiness: Lisa Vittozzi is entering the home straight on Sunday. © Lisa Vittozzi

Now even the lead vest gave her wings. What followed was an outstanding example of sporting fairness and fundamental honest recognition. Her big opponent, Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold, hugged Lisa Vittozzi and she wrapped her arms around the slightly smaller Norwegian. They stood like that in the finish area for minutes as if time had stood still. For a moment they were removed from the world. Two opponents, two athletes. For me, it was the image of this season despite all the cheers from everyone else and the many celebrations that were coming up because some of them (Mona Brorsson, Pepe Femling, both Swedes and Benedikt Doll, Germany) officially ended their careers.

Lisa Vittozzi has given the sport of biathlon more than just a competition at the highest level over a whole season. She, who was already at her lowest point in sports, showed everyone that it was worth not giving up. She has returned stronger than ever. Apparently now internally stable, she impresses with her calm demeanor. She is a perfect ambassador for her sport because, fortunately, she is not desperate for recognition in these times dominated by social media. In two years she will be 31 at the Olympic Games in Italy. At the best age to give the color yellow even more emphasis. With gold medals. There are still dreams. Fortunately.

About the author: Sigi Heinrich The award-winning sports journalist (including winner of the German Television Prize and the Bavarian Sports Prize), book author and Eurosport commentator from the station's very beginning (since 1989) dedicates his column "Sigi's Spitze" to the entire diversity of sport and poaches beyond that also happy in foreign regions. Sometimes with a smile and a wink, sometimes thoughtfully or deliberately provocative. There should be something for everyone.

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Lisa Vittozzi: The great role model

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