"A return to international competitions can happen at any moment"

Legendary Belarusian biathlete Daria Domracheva retired in 2018, but continues to monitor the main competitions in her sport, including in her country and in Russia, where our best representatives perform, who have been suspended from international competitions since 2022. In an interview with Izvestia, the four—time Olympic champion commented on the results of the Strongest Athletes Cup held in Raubichi, Belarus, and praised the performance of her star compatriots, 2022 Olympic silver medalist Anton Smolsky and his wife, 2018 Olympic champion Dinara. She also highlighted the most interesting representatives of this sport in Russia and shared her opinion on the chances of an early breakup of Belarusian and Russian biathletes and their trip to the 2026 Olympics in Italy.

— How did you like the last Cup of the Strongest?

— In my opinion, it was an interesting fight. And we have seen that athletes who are primarily characterized by high speed have climbed onto the podium. It was very interesting to watch them. It is especially noteworthy that among the women's medalists is a recent representative of cross-country skiing, who is making such progress in biathlon. It's about Natalia Shevchenko. She won two gold medals in the sprint and pursuit, silver in the individual race and the mixed relay. I think there will be even greater successes in the future. But in general, it was felt that the athletes were seriously preparing for these competitions. They're nervous because they really want to win. Everyone was as energized as possible to fight for medals.

— To what extent have Belarusian and Russian athletes maintained their level over the three years of the ban?

— Maybe the fight at the domestic starts is not as intense as at the World Championships. If you pay attention to the sprint race at the World Cup, then the athletes who took second and third places were separated by hundredths of a second. In general, of course, when representatives of only two countries compete in competitions, the density of results is not as high as we would like. Especially in comparison with international startups, where people from more than 20 countries are competing for top positions.

But all the same, at our competitions it is felt that the guys are focused on success, are energized for the fight and hope to enter international competitions in the near future and prove themselves there. We hope so too.

— How long will it take to return to the level that will allow you to compete for medals at the World Championships, World Cup stages and Olympic Games?

— We'll wait and see. But I think the first races might be a bit of a shock for them. Nevertheless, I hope that it will not take long to return to a high level. After all, they are athletes, they are always in the fight, and they have a sufficient number of competitions per season. In general, the adaptation at international competitions should not be long.

— What needs to be improved in order to compete for the highest places in the international arena?

— The rate of fire and the speed of being on the firing line. But apart from that, there are still a few nuances. For example, the fact that European snow is somewhat different from the snow conditions that we can observe on our highways. Plus, the introduced rules on lubrication (prohibition of the use of fluoride. — Izvestia) — in Belarus and Russia, conditions are still different in this regard.

Therefore, the service teams will also have to adapt to the competitions at the World Cup and other international tournaments. Perhaps this will be the main point in the adaptation of all members of our national teams.

But in general, biathlon is a complex sport. So you can't single out one thing here. It is important to improve in all aspects. But looking at the starts of this season performed by our biathletes, I can say that the fight is almost always bright and colorful. Athletes have a passion and a will to win. Therefore, I am sure that they would have entered international competitions with dignity and shown their best.

— How do you like the performances of Dinara and Anton Smolsky?

— As we can see, Dinara has climbed to the podium following the results of some races of the Strongest Cup. It will be interesting to watch her further. As well as Anton. I am glad that he passed most of the starts with clean shooting and confidently moved along the distance. Well, he deservedly won three individual golds and also won the single mixed relay together with Dinara.

— What would they qualify for at the World Cup now?

— It is difficult to speak in such categories. All this should be compared in a real fight. Although I think Anton Smolsky, with the performance that he had at the World Cup, could have done well at the World Championships.

— Would you fight for the top three?

— It's hard to say exactly where in the table. But he would have competed. If we talk about men's competitions, then everyone who is in the top 30 can safely climb the podium. Many athletes have already shown this. Therefore, it will not be easy for the guys to get involved in this fight. But, I repeat, our athletes now have enough starts to quickly get used to the international level. Yes, the first starts will be adaptive for most. Although, maybe someone will shoot right away due to the fact that the fuse that he keeps in himself during the suspension period, which he accumulates for a long time, will manifest itself at the first starts in the international arena.

— What makes Smolsky so successful?

— Anton is a very serious guy. He treats the business he is engaged in judiciously. And due to this, he achieves victories.

— Have any Russians made an impression on you in recent years?

— I have already mentioned Natalia Shevchenko, who makes a pleasant impression. Especially as an athlete who recently switched to biathlon from skiing. It is felt that her functional readiness is at the same level. At the same time, she has already adapted to shooting. All this gives reason to hope for her success in future tournaments.

In addition, I would like to mention Victoria Metelya, a very young athlete who shows great promise. She won the mass start on the last day of the Strongest Man Cup. Moreover, she endured a very vivid and intense struggle, when before the last shooting five people had a chance for gold at once.

I generally like it when such new names appear. I wish there were more of them, but on the other hand, it's not every season that bright stars appear who will prop up recognized leaders on the move. But I would like to hope that those who exist now have used the groundwork that they have.

— How would you rate the chances of Russian and Belarusian biathletes splitting up before next season and their trip to the 2026 Olympics?

— The situation in biathlon is quite difficult today. So far, there has been no progress on this issue. But I think everyone remains optimistic. The most important thing is that the athletes themselves tune in to this. Because you never know at what point it might happen, I mean admission to tournaments. And it can happen at any moment. Therefore, it is important to keep the fuse in yourself and then go to the start with a good athletic anger.

— Speaking with your husband Ole Einar Bjørndalen and his compatriots, there is a feeling that the Norwegians and other Europeans will be ready to accept the separation of ours. Or are they hard-line against it?

— It is difficult to answer this question now. It all depends more on political issues. But I think all our guys should keep hoping that it will happen. And seriously prepare for the moment when they receive admission.