Dorothea Wierer does not retire. The South Tyrolean biathlete announced this during the conference starting this afternoon at 3pm, convened specifically to reveal the decision she has made about her future. A decision that was welcomed by all the fans, who strongly hoped to be able to see Wierer on the track again next year. And so it will be: “It would have been a shame to close an important part of my life like this” Wierer herself declared during the online conference. Words paint a very precise image of a champion still hungry for victories, titles and satisfaction. Many ideas emerged from the conference, followed live on Fondo Italia.
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Dorothea Wierer joins the conference, in the presence of over 70 journalists from all over the world.
“Hello everyone and thank you for being here. I wanted to give this conference, because there are many rumors especially on social media and many people say things that are perhaps not true. I want to clarify my future. Unfortunately last season was strange. It started well then I arrived in November and I got the flu. I ran while I was sick several times and that didn’t help me. I tried to stop for a few days to prepare for Nove Mesto, but there was something wrong I decided to stop because I had no more energy and I had to take some drops to sleep.”
“In this period I led a normal life, I was a housewife with a few events in between. I wanted to reflect a bit, without training, to rest as much as possible and see the news on my physical and mental state.”
“In the end I realized that it would have been a shame to close an important part of my life like this. I spoke with the president Flavio Roda and with the Fiamme Gialle and in agreement with our staff we understood that there is the will to continue until the Olympics (Milan-Cortina 2026, ed.)“.
“It was not an easy decision because there will be many sacrifices to make. We have already planned the summer and from today I started training with my usual work group, which I trust very much, to arrive at the appointment in good shape. I thank the yellow flames.”
“I will continue with my personal project with the development of the butt plate, which I will use in the coming seasons.”
Dorothea then answers the journalists’ questions:
Has the help of a mental coach been needed in recent months? What will be the goal for next season?
“No, I only made the forced stop. I calmed down and my body was able to rest 100%. For next year, going to Paris, I have to see how my shape will be. We will have a demanding program especially before the Olympics. I’ll try to get to the end of November in good shape.”
How close were you to retiring? How to reconcile sport with TV commitments?
“It was very difficult, but it was all a consequence. This problem with sleep didn’t allow me to rest well, but now I’m fine and I have a lot of energy again. TV? This new adventure gets me very excited. I still wanted to do this experience, something new. I will try to give 100% without forgetting that I am a high level athlete.”
FONDO ITALIA – The “con” that kept you most in doubt?
“The list of pros and cons was challenging. The con was not being able to start a family, but the pro of the Olympics pushed me to hold on for this unique experience of competing at home.”
FONDO ITALIA – How important was last season to understand that you were still competitive?
“I know that when I’m well I can still play for it. This year I only managed to give 50% and after 10 years of a very demanding life I needed a break. I paid for that a bit too, but now I can look forward.”
What will you need to work on more?
“I have many hours of training, so that won’t be a problem. I have to pay more attention to my recovery when I get sick. I’m not 20 anymore and so I need more recovery. That will be important, even if I’m someone who never wants to give up and I’m very stubborn. I always want to give my best.”
Which voices bothered you the most?
“I try not to read them on social media, but what bothers me a little is people who say “he only does TV now”. It’s also part of the game. When you stop playing sports you end up forgotten and I wanted to meet new people environments and having new experiences. I’m an athlete and I have to focus 100% on that, but I’ve always managed to reconcile everything. It made me laugh when people said I was pregnant.”
Are you satisfied with the team’s results?
“It’s important that the team achieves results and I hope that many more will come. I also feel a little responsible for this growth, because it all started in 2011 when we weren’t so competitive. I’ve seen all the growth and now you can see it the differences. We lack nothing compared to other nations.”
Sleep problems?
“I’ve always had sleep problems and when these things happen I almost think about them too much and get nervous. It’s more a matter of staying calmer. I try to solve my sleep problems with the FISI staff. Now I’m already a little better “.
Which sports will interest you most in Paris?
“I won’t comment on the competitions, but I will talk about behind the scenes, the athlete’s point of view. It will be a new context and I can’t wait to discover other sports that we only hear about every 4 years. Tennis is having a boom and I hope to be able to attend the matches, as well as swimming and athletics.”
How much will Vittozzi’s growth help you?
“The potential was known and I am very happy for her. In Italy we need it and I hope that all the other athletes can make the leap in quality. It is a very difficult sport, in which the mental part counts a lot. Last year Unfortunately I only did 11 races and I experienced everything a bit from afar. Now I try to focus only on myself without making comparisons. I have to come back slowly and readjust to this world.”
What do you think about the exclusion of the Russians?
“I think Russia is an important nation for biathlon. For me sport should not be involved in politics, but it should be a world apart. At the moment it is like this, but it doesn’t depend on me. We will see them again in the World Cup, but I don’t know when. I think they have a very competitive team.”
How did you find your past experiences on television?
“Let’s say I’m stepping out of my comfort zone a bit. Everything is new and I’ve never had this experience. I like to get involved even in difficult moments, telling my point of view, especially in biathlon. Just telling the details to the people who watch the races is very interesting because those who are not in this world cannot know them.”
What would you say to the people who follow you?
“I am an active person, I love doing sports and biathlon, but I also love other things. I always try to give my best. I will be an athlete at the next Olympics and I will do my best, but there are also other things in my life. And I think this is good.”
What do you think of the level of French biathlon?
“It’s incredible how strong they are. But there are always ups and downs in biathlon. Sometimes the Italians are better, sometimes the others. Now it’s France’s time and I’m happy for them. Lou (Jeanmonnot, ed.) he is very strong and I am sorry that he had Covid last year. Ahead of her she has a long career with podiums and medals.”
At 3.45pm the press conference ends, Dorothea Wierer greets everyone: “I have to go train at the gym.”
