Olympia can come – with one request

Blue, black, red, green, yellow - when we boarded the shuttle bus in Antholz Mittertal in the morning to head for the competition venue, we were constantly reminded of what the big home spectacle for the biathletes is all about. Last week, thousands of people were greeted every day by these oversized rings, which are already creating an Olympic atmosphere a year before one of the absolute highlights in South Tyrolean sports history.

It was impossible to escape the spirit of the Winter Games, and even the athletes were caught thinking about the next season. "I'm looking forward to when they finally stand behind the shooting range," said Lukas Hofer in an interview with Dolomiten on Wednesday, painting a picture of how the Olympic rings will make the South Tyrol Arena shine in a splendor never seen before.

Biathlon feels like family For me, the World Cup even felt a bit like the Olympics. Of course, I have never experienced either the Summer or Winter Games up close, but in some ways I was reminded of the recent European Football Championship in Germany. Enthusiastic fans from every corner of the world are what make the sport blossom into the same fascination that has given rise to my love for my job. Flirting with Norwegians here, chatting with French people there - somehow it felt like a huge patchwork family.

The fans created a great atmosphere. © ANSA / ANDREA SOLERO

One must not forget the biathlon fun in Antholz Mittertal. If you like, this was the Olympic village for the fans, where the biathlon pilgrims were able to end the evening with serenades from the local clubs and in specially built wooden huts with food and (sometimes plenty of) drink.

Now finally comes the coronation Five world championships have already been held in Antholz, and after countless World Cups, the crowning glory will follow in 2026 - which is long overdue, if we're honest. After winter games in questionable locations such as Sochi, Pyeongchang or even Beijing, the biggest highlight of winter sports is coming where it belongs: in the Alps.

My first assignment as a reporter was a trip with a huge number of encounters, highlights and impressions. One moment in particular will remain in my memory - even though it is actually just everyday sporting life. When Tommaso Giacomel sealed his place on the podium in the sprint with two penalty laps under his belt, I was already in the mixed zone canvassing for votes - and briefly became a fan myself. With my fist clenched in my jacket pocket and a slight feeling of goose bumps, the first questions shot into my head - after all, I was there to work at the end of the day.

Dreaming is allowed In the end, I couldn't resist a little touch of fantasy. At the awards ceremony, Giacomel - or even Dorothea Wierer and Lukas Hofer - grinned from the podium with a medal, the Olympic rings gleamed in the background. Perhaps the goddess Fortuna heard me. That was the moment when I was quite sure: Antholz, the Olympics can come.

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Olympia can come – with one request

The Biathlon World Cup in Antholz told many stories – and left a special impression. The 2026 Olympic Games can come.

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