Speakers Corner | Farewell

The last day in Antholz also gives us emotions. Especially when Dorothea Wierer goes into the final lap as the leader after the last shooting in the mass start. This time, however, she cannot maintain her lead, but wins silver again behind the outstanding Marte Olsbu Røiseland. Lisa Vittozzi's mood is completely different: she makes an unusual mistake at the shooting range (she doesn't hit a single target in the second prone position) and runs after the field. But don't give up. And that is also her greatness, which - when she reaches the finish line as the very last - is acknowledged with huge applause by the fair audience.

Speaking of Marte Olsbu Røiseland: The Norwegian can rightly call herself the “Queen of Antholz”, and in every interview she emphasizes her connection to this beautiful valley. And when asked directly about it, she said: “Yes, it would be a good idea to build a house here.”

Johannes Thingnes Bø already had victory in the bag when he looked back at the final sprint for third place, as his brother Tarjei was still fighting for precious metal. Johannes was a little disappointed to realize that his brother had only gotten sheet metal, but he was one of the first to congratulate third-placed Emilien Jacquelin. By the way: Even the Norwegian trainers can't explain why the younger Bø brother has the suffix “Thingnes” in his name and Tarjei doesn't. Shipulin stops Someone who was very successful in Antholz and has ended his career today is Anton Shipulin. He also stopped by on the final day and chatted with the crowd of former biathlon greats who always like to take a trip to South Tyrol. Then a Russian journalist comes along and calls Shipulin the second most important man in Russia, just behind Putin. Employees score points for politeness Katharina from Taisten has to graduate from the social science high school in Bruneck this spring. But for the last two weeks she has apologized and is helping out as a waitress in the VIP area. “I wanted to have this experience, to make contacts, specifically to interact with lots of people from different countries,” she says. Like all other helpers in this area, Katharina scores with her politeness, her smile and her patience. Characteristics that actually characterize every helper in the green-blue jackets.

“I propose a petition to only hold world championships in Antholz in the future,” smiles a German journalist. In doing so, he underlines the enthusiasm that inspires many thousands of people, which made Antholz 2020 a memorable event. A quiet tear It's time for me too to pack my things and say goodbye. The last words have been spoken, colleagues and friends from Switzerland, Canada, Bulgaria and Austria are greeted. And a big thank you is expressed, for great human encounters, for funny stories and lost bets - and I notice how a quiet tear is rolling down inside me. A tear of sadness that it's all over - but also a tear of joy that I was able to be in the middle of it all. And in keeping with the motto of the whole World Cup, I can confidently say that the passion still burns.

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Speakers Corner | Farewell

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