Wierer issue, Vittozzi crisis & co: Andreas Zingerle sums up

Andreas Zingerle had already said two years ago: “I’ll keep going until the Olympic season – but then it’s finally over.” The Antholz biathlon icon followed his words with actions. Since 1979, when he started biathlon, he has remained loyal to the sport - first as an athlete (he became world champion four times) and later as a coach. SportNews reached the Puster success coach by phone and conducted a farewell interview with him.

Andreas Zingerle, let's take a quick look into the future: What will you miss most in the future?

Andreas Zingerle: “I can’t say that at the moment (laughs). But certainly it will be strange spending so much time at home.”

What is your conclusion about the past season?

“On the whole, I was satisfied - even though one would have often expected more at the World Cups. But we achieved good results at the Olympics (Wierer took bronze, Hofer a 4th place and Windisch a 5th place; Note d. Red. ). Luki Hofer's 4th place in the pursuit was certainly a shame. He showed a perfect race, but in the end he would have needed a better starting position after the sprint to win a medal.”

How do you see Italian biathlon positioned for the future?

“We have some talented athletes. If you bring them right up to the top of the world, there is a lot more to come in the future. The potential is definitely there to cause a sensation at the 2026 home Olympics in Antholz. But there is still a lot of work to be done.”

A young athlete who already showed signs of his potential in the past World Cup season was Tommaso Giacomel. What do you trust Him to do?

“Tommaso started strong (7th place in Östersund; Note d. Red. ). Then he had a small performance dip - also because his expectations are often too high. But overall he is on the right track. Above all, physically, he is already extremely advanced for his 22 years.”

Lisa Vittozzi often missed the mark in prone shooting. © ANSA / KIMMO BRANDT

Lisa Vittozzi, on the other hand, had a disappointing season: She often had problems, especially when shooting prone: How can these be solved?

“If we knew that, we would have solved it long ago. We really did everything possible to ensure that Lisa performed consistently again in prone shooting. We worked on the shooting position, breathing and the weapon. The relays mostly went well. In any case, it's not a technical problem. Maybe the problem is also mental. The lost duel for the 2018/19 overall World Cup with Doro Wierer may have given her a slight crack, it's hard to say. But in sport you have to deal with defeats.” “My gut feeling is that Doro will continue.” Andreas Zingerle Speaking of Doro Wierer: She has not yet confirmed the continuation of her career. Do you think Wierer will continue?

"Difficult to say. The last thing I know is that she's going on vacation now and will decide afterwards. My gut feeling is that she's moving on. But Doro will certainly weigh up a lot of things. It also depends on the composition of the coaching staff and the team.”

Dominik Windisch, another long-time figurehead, has already said goodbye. How much does his resignation hurt?

“We will only see that in the next few years. Basically, it is important to accept and respect your decision. Of course he had a lot of experience under his belt. Athletes like that can always pass something on to a young team.”

“If they continue to work so hard, they can make it to the top.” Andreas Zingerle about his children David and Linda

Your children David and Linda showed their potential at the last youth world championships: what do you think they can achieve?

“If they continue to work so hard, they can make it to the top. But the closer you get to the top of the world, the harder it becomes. But the most important thing is that they like the sport. They do biathlon because they want to and not because they have to.”

Both are slowly getting closer to the A squad: Is it perhaps even better that you are no longer the head coach?

“I definitely see it that way too. That wouldn’t be good for the team and just wouldn’t be a happy situation overall.”

Let's take a quick look back: What were the highlights of your coaching career?

“Certainly all the successes at the Olympic Games and World Championships. The crowning achievement was certainly Doro Wierer's two overall World Cups (2018/19 and 2019/20; Note d. Red. ) and their two gold medals at the World Championships in Antholz 2020. Of all places where you have spent so much time in your life. These two weeks were certainly special and will always be remembered.”

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Wierer issue, Vittozzi crisis & co: Andreas Zingerle sums up

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