"The situation in the world is changing every day, so we live for today"

Russian biathletes are still far from being allowed to compete internationally and have lost their chances to participate in the February Olympic Games in Italy. Their colleagues in winter sports — in skiing, luge, alpine skiing, ski jumping and other disciplines — began to receive neutral status in December and are already participating in World Cups, qualifying for the Games. But the International Biathlon Union (IBU) stands its ground. Therefore, Russians participate in the Kyrgyz Republic, and also compete with Belarusians for medals in the Commonwealth Cup.

Among them is the bronze medalist in the relay of the 2022 Beijing Olympics and the 2021 World Championships, Karim Khalili, as well as his wife Anastasia. In an interview with Izvestia, Karim Khalili assessed the chances of returning to the international stage in 2026, described the difficulties that would arise after a long absence from practice on European tracks, and assessed the Olympic prospects of skiers Daria Nepryaeva and Savely Korostelev, who were admitted to the World Cup.

"One can hope for a miracle, but not in this case"

— After skiers, luge skiers and other Russians in winter sports began to be allowed in a neutral status at international competitions, do you have any hope that this will soon affect biathletes?

— It's hard to say. Of course, we partially monitor what happens to the guys in other winter sports. We read the news, and we see that at least someone has been admitted. But it's too early to talk about any optimism. I think our situation is different. And in general, it was clear that this process would not affect us at this stage. Of course, you can hope for some kind of miracle, but not in this case.

— By miracle, do you mean the disruption over the course of this winter and the appearance of chances to get to the Olympics?

- yes.

— In the context of the next season, do you assume that in December 2026 some of the Russians will compete at the World Cup?

— There is no point in talking about it now, because the situation can change at any moment. That's why I don't want to guess here.

— Many of your colleagues, such as Anton Babikov and Maxim Tsvetkov, believe that Russian biathletes will be the last to be banned due to problems with permits for transporting rifles to European countries, where most of the World Cup and World Championships are held. Are you of the same opinion?

— Most likely, it is. And it's not just the guns. But also in the rules of the competition, and in the general approach of the IBU to this issue. Therefore, yes, most likely, we will be the last to return to the international arena.

— After 2022, you and your wife found ways to travel to Europe and train in the highlands there. How difficult has it been to organize this in recent years?

— I won't say that it was difficult with the organization. I started to prepare quite a bit in advance for these trips. Therefore, everything was done on time, without any problems. The main thing is that we managed to go there and practice. This is very necessary for Russians, since there are no high-altitude bases in our country. We only have suitable highlands in Sochi, but the altitude there is not so high — 1300-1400 m. It's not enough. Therefore, there are no conditions for preparing for international startups. And you need to go to Europe for training camps if you want to be ready for the moment when we will be allowed to the World Cup.

"In terms of competition, we are not inferior to the World Cup"

Biathlete Victoria Slivko — about the level of Russian competitions and motivation to compete in conditions of suspension from international competitions

"I hope our skiers will show a decent result at the Olympics"

— In your opinion, have the other biathletes dropped significantly in level in almost four years without such trips?

— Well, now our skiers Daria Nepryaeva and Savely Korostelev are competing at the World Cup stages in the European highlands. Of course, we need to ask them how it feels for them to compete there after several years without practice on such tracks. But I think it's not easy for them to adapt to those conditions.

— Do you believe that they will have time to adapt to these conditions before February and will be able to compete for high places, including prizes, at the Olympics?

— It all depends on them. I think there must be a lot of factors involved. But I hope that they will be able to show a decent result. Moreover, they have a very experienced and competent coach, Egor Sorin, who has been through a lot and led more than one skier to medals. So, I think they will take into account all the nuances and prepare well for the Olympic Games.

— How satisfied are you with your performance this season in Russia?

— Frankly speaking, I'm not particularly happy with my form yet. But as it is. There is still time to fix the situation. Let's see how things will turn out in February and March, when the time comes for the main starts in Russia — the finals of the Russian Cup and the Commonwealth Cup. Based on their results, it will be possible to draw final conclusions about their performance this season.

— Are you and your wife making plans for the next four-year cycle, for the next Olympics in 2030?

— Not yet. We live for today. The situation is changing every day now — in general, in the whole world, and not just in sports. That's why we live, enjoy and appreciate what we have now. We participate in domestic competitions, we fight for medals. And we just try to be ready to return to the international arena at any moment when the opportunity arises.