yesterday 07:00
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The results of Slovak biathlon at the World Championships in Oberhof were a big disappointment for many, because they were used to Kuzmin’s successes, Paulína Bátovská Fialková caught here and there, her sister Ivona also took part in one championship. But let’s not be surprised, our biathlon has caught up with what I said ten years ago and I was criticized for it, that I don’t like it, how it is done.
We didn’t have a men’s relay at the start, and due to injuries and illnesses of the girls, we didn’t even set up a women’s relay. Which is very sad. I said three to four years ago that there is no need to forcefully push for the Olympic Games, but rather to do it with young people. Because if you work with them well, they will go forward. There are also talented young people in Slovak biathlon, just don’t rest on your laurels.
In my opinion, Paulína Bátovská Fialková was the best prepared for the world championship, as I have ever seen her. She was confident, mature. I don’t know if it was caused by her wedding last year, but life situations like this push forward. I also saw her in the gym, she worked hard. Her husband Miloš Bátovský has great credit for everything. But for Paulína, the key to success is shooting.
In world biathlon, shooting is fast and accurate, and Paulína was unable to do that in Oberhof. When I saw her on the standing sprint, I thought that was bad. She was restless. Pavol Hurajt, our Olympic medalist, aptly named that there are three types of shooters in biathlon: good, then there are random shooters and also bad shooters. Paula is one of the random ones.
“Slovak biathlon should pave the way forward with experts.”
Martina Halinárová-Jašicová
5-time participant of the Winter Olympics, vice-champion of the world in biathlon, coach of VŠC Dukla Banská Bystrica
I think her sister Ivona is in the third box. However, something can still be improved, only Slovak biathlon should be paving the way forward with experts. Because average people have never led the younger generation to pedestals. Let’s take a look at who helped the Czech team to accelerate and improve their shooting, the great American sports shooter Matt Emmons, the Olympic champion. Who are the coaches at the shooting range in world biathlon? Behind the binoculars are Olympic winners, world champions and not average people.
I will return to the non-participation of our women’s and men’s relay. You probably have to get used to it! I would not push below average or young female racers into them. Let them not make a big mistake and push Ema Kapustová to the World Cups. She has time! Let them work with the young for at least a year or two, and when they are mature, let them start. However, the girls should mainly unite in one team, start training together, pull each other, because if they are separated, they will definitely not get results. Well, the team should be led by a person who is from the big biathlon. There are, for example, Otčenášovci.
I will also comment on what is said that there are no conditions for training in Slovakia. This is total nonsense! We have excellent conditions for skiing. Yes, it’s nice that we have a new track for roller skis in Osrblí, but it’s different to train there at 500 meters above sea level and at an altitude of 1200 meters.
The state should have thought long ago about building a large Olympic center at the mentioned height. To create something that is in Šamorín, but not in private, but in state hands. Use, for example, the wonderful space for training at Skalka in 1200 meters for biathletes and cross-country skiers, and our athletes could train at home. Everyone claims that a lot is being done for sports, that there is enough money, but it is being distributed strangely.
The author is a 5-time participant in the Winter Olympics, vice-champion of the world in biathlon, coach of VŠC Dukla Banská Bystrica
