Selina Gasparin in Martell: “I’m now the biathlon mom”

By Luis Mahlknecht from Martell Selina Gasparin from Switzerland was the pioneer in women's biathlon in her country. Their switch from cross-country skiing to biathlon was not without problems, but when the first successes arose, the Swiss suddenly became aware of the combined sport with cross-country skis and rifles. Today, alongside Selina Gasparin, her sisters Elisa and Aita are also strong biathletes. Lena Haecki, Irene Cadurisch, Susanne Meinen and Flavia Barmettler were also there with them in Martell. A Latscher is in charge for the Swiss “We like being in Martell, also because Andy Kuppelwieser, who leads our training together with the Austrian Sandra Flunger, comes from this area,” says Selina Gasparin. In fact, Latscher is in charge at the training camp this time. In addition to the many shooting exercises, the program also includes mountain hikes, training in the weight room or on the sports field and the “obligatory” roller-ski ascent to the Stelvio Pass. Selina Gasparin is the “draw horse” because the now 36-year-old is well aware of being a role model in the Swiss team. “I noticed how my successes made the mood among the fans better. We are no longer a fringe sport, people are informing themselves and keeping their fingers crossed for us.” The sensational relay results of the Swiss women in recent winters have also contributed to this. The three Gasparin sisters together with Lena Haecki made headlines and had an extremely positive response. “But that is also thanks to the good trainers we brought in from abroad,” summarizes Selina Gasparin. As a junior, she came under the wing of Markus “Sägi” Segessenmann, and the tall coach shaped her into a top athlete. As a result, Armin Auchentaller played a key role in the success of the Gasparin sisters. “That was an aha moment for Switzerland” Selina Gasparin on her 2014 Olympic silver medal Selina celebrated two World Cup victories and finished second in the individual competition at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi on the podium. “That was an eye-opener for Switzerland,” smiles Selina Gasparin, who is now a mother of two and loves talking about her daughters Leila (five years old) and Kiana (20 months). She also feels like a “mother” in the biathlon business, because most ski hunters her age have now drawn a line. The last person to do this was Kaisa Mäkäräinen from Finland, who describes Selina as a great friend. The Graubünden native (Selina Gasparin now lives in Lenzerheide) has not yet thought about ending her career; she says simply: “I'm keeping everything open, I'll see from year to year.” She's ready for the coming season and wants to continue to be at the forefront. And see how enthusiasm for biathlon grows in Switzerland. Speaking of Lenzerheide: the World Championships could take place in the federal town in 2025. A dream for all biathlon fans in Switzerland, after having experienced a memorable Junior World Championships last winter. Selina Gasparin says: “I will certainly no longer be there as an athlete. But I will be there in some form – whether as a competition secretary, as an employee in the stadium or as a trainer. Selina Gasparin likes to keep all doors open.

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

Selina Gasparin in Martell: “I’m now the biathlon mom”

Suggestions

Comments (0)