Taunts, darn shooting & summary: Now Wierer speaks

Dorothea Wierer has had an eventful winter. She was unable to repeat the form of the last two years, when she won the overall World Cup twice, but in the end she still achieved a victory, four more podium places and the small crystal ball in the individual. That speaks for the class of soon-to-be 31-year-olds, who are looking forward to a detailed one after the end of the season SportNews -Interview took time.

Dorothea Wierer, it's a shame that the season is over, isn't it?

“On the one hand, it's a shame because I've only just gotten into good shape, but on the other hand, you can already tell that you've been on the road since November. Mentally it was also tough because we were always in our bubble and only commuted between the hotel and the race track.”

What is your conclusion about the season?

"It's going ok. On the one hand, the final result (5th place in the overall World Cup, editor's note) makes me positive because I have been in the top 5 for six years now. That means I was very consistent. On the other hand, if you're used to always winning, you can't be completely satisfied. A fifth place in the overall World Cup isn't bad, but I expected more, especially at the start of the season when I was tired. In the fall I overextended myself with training and appointments and didn't listen to my body enough and didn't take the breaks I needed. That had an impact.”

<a data-caption="Gemeinsam mit der Österreicherin Lisa Theresa Hauser (links) gewann Dorothea Wierer die kleine Kristallkugel im Einzel. © TT News Agency / ANDERS WIKLUND" data-fancybox="inline-75170" target="_image" href="https://s3-images.sportnews.bz/_images/scale/1280x1280/img/2021/03/gemeinsam-mit-der-oesterreicherin-lisa-theresa-hauser-links-gewann-dorothea-wierer-die-kleine-kristallkugel-im-einzel.jpg"> Together with the Austrian Lisa Theresa Hauser (left), Dorothea Wierer won the small crystal ball in the individual. © TT News Agency / ANDERS WIKLUND

What was different this year than in the last two years, in which you won the overall World Cup?

“On the one hand, there were more athletes this year who had a certain level of consistency and were at the forefront. On the other hand, I wasn't 100 percent up to speed. And if you're not, then you can't expect to win. The level is simply too high for that.”

The most dramatic event happened this year at the World Championships on Pokljuka when you were on your way to a medal in the single mixed relay, but the very last disc just didn't want to fall ...

“It really got on my nerves, it was like magic. When I look back now, I think to myself: How can it be that I didn't get this series? At the shooting range you suddenly get stressed, and with stress nothing works anymore. But I also spoke to other athletes who said that something like this had already happened to biathletes like Ole Einar Bjørndalen or Michael Greis, even at important events like the World Cup. Still, it’s bitter.”

In the single mixed relay there were dramatic scenes for Wierer (left) and Lukas Hofer. © AFP / JOE KLAMAR

Does an event like this leave a mark on your mind?

“In the first relay race after the World Championships I faltered briefly on the fourth shot. Then I thought to myself: Please, just close the series. I scored and was happy. But if something like this happens often, then it can really become a psychological problem and you can sometimes even become afraid of the shooting range.”

“I was a little ashamed.” Dorothea Wierer There was also a scene at the last race of the season that caused a stir: in the wind lottery of the Östersund mass start You spent over two minutes at the shooting range .

“I set the record for the longest shooting session in recent years (laughs). I stood up to shoot and it just shook because of the strong wind. My goal was to score and not just throw down the shots, no matter how many penalties it cost. The first minute and a half flew by, but at some point I said to myself: 'Doro, you know that everyone else has already finished shooting!' Then I just shot it. I was a bit ashamed of this scene and asked myself: What does my coach Andreas Zingerle think of me now?”

The Olympic Games are coming up next winter. Will it be your last season?

“I don't even think about that. If I say now that this will be my last season, then I'm putting unnecessary pressure on myself and using up unnecessary energy. I want to start with the thought that I still have ten seasons ahead of me. If I have to be stuffy at the end of winter, then I'll leave it. Nobody forces me.”

“I think it’s a bit exaggerated, but things like this are better ignored.” Wierer about taunts Change of subject: In the last few days there have been taunts from the Norwegian Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold, who said that she was deliberately hindered by two Azzurres on the cross-country ski trail .

“Maybe she wanted some attention. In any case, this action took place on a climb, we were all running side by side at the same pace. We can't stop and let her pass if we don't even know if she's faster. I think it’s a bit exaggerated, but things like this are better ignored.”

Another private question: You and your husband Stefano have bought a new house in Cavalese, which will be your new home. What shouldn't be missing from Dorothea Wierer's apartment?

“A couch (laughs). No, it's a normal house that's pretty big with a great garden. We are currently in the process of clearing everything out and the renovation work will begin at the end of May. I help a little with the planning myself, but not too much, because biathlon is still a priority.”

Questions: Thomas Debelyak

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Taunts, darn shooting & summary: Now Wierer speaks

Dorothea Wierer has had a season with ups and downs. In a big interview with SportNews, she reflects on the winter and talks, among other things, about her balance sheet, annoying memories, taunts from the Norwegian biathlon camp and her latest “project”.

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