Runggaldier: “Health is more important than the Olympics”

Alexia Runggaldier, things have been quiet around you in the last few weeks. What have you been doing away from the World Cup spotlight? “The last few times haven't been easy for me. The start of the season was very bumpy, and then health problems arose. Together with my supervisors, I decided at the beginning of December to take a break from competition and get back to my best form with individual training.”

How are you today?

“I had to slow down again over Christmas due to a sinus infection, but I'm feeling really good again now. I am currently training at the police sports group base in Moena and am completing the entire range of training units. I hope things are really looking up for me now.”

How intensely did you get excited with your teammates over the weekend?

“I didn't see all the races because I spent a lot of time on the trails and at the shooting range. The women's relay race However, it was very exciting, although the result in the end is of course very bitter, as everything in the meantime pointed to an absolute top position.”

Would you have done better than Nicole Gontier, who took your place in the relay?

"I don't know that. In any case, I can't judge any of the four runners based on their performance. There were extremely difficult conditions throughout the entire race. I’m sure everyone got the most out of themselves.”

When can we expect to see you again in the World Cup?

“I’ll still fit next weekend in Ruhpolding. If everything goes well, I’ll be back in the next stage in Antholz.”

Last year you were on the podium for the first time in Antholz, of all places. It will also be the final acid test for the Olympics...

“Of course I want to be there at my home race and enjoy this special backdrop. At the moment, however, health is more important, even if the Olympics are just around the corner. I remember my relay performance in Hochfilzen in December, which was catastrophic. I was in bad shape then. Something like that makes no sense. I won’t start again until everything is right.”

Speaking of the Olympics: How realistic do you see your chances of getting a ticket to South Korea?

“The topic of the Olympics is of course always in the back of my mind. The season hasn't gone as planned so far, but I'm still very confident. If the form is right, I expect a place in the team. However, I try to take the pressure off so that I can go on the trail with a clear head. I’ve been working on the long-term goal of the Olympics since the summer, but if it’s not enough in the end, the world won’t end.”

What do you think the Italian biathlon team can do at the big highlight of the season?

“We have geared our entire preparation towards the Olympics and are continually working towards our performance limits. This can also be seen in the most recent results. I am convinced that everyone in the team will go the extra mile. Hopefully the podium finishes from the weekend were just the beginning.”

Questions: Alexander Foppa

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Runggaldier: “Health is more important than the Olympics”

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