"Nepryaeva and Korostelev will compete for medals at the Olympics"

Kristina Reztsova, the silver and bronze medalist of the 2022 Olympic Games in biathlon, is in second place in the overall standings of the Russian Cup following the results of three stages (after them it remains to hold the final, which will be held at the end of February in Zlatoust). In addition, the 29-year-old athlete is in the lead in the overall standings of the Commonwealth Cup, the fourth stage is scheduled for January 23-25 in Raubichi, Belarus.

In an interview with Izvestia, Reztsova assessed the chances of our biathletes returning to the international stage, and also shared her opinion on the prospects of Russian skiers at the 2026 Olympics.

"We will act on the situation"

— How would you rate the current season for yourself?

— I think that everything is going very well for me. I'm a little unhappy with shooting — the work on it was better in the summer at the training camp, I don't know why I'm doing worse in competitions at the firing line. And I'm 100% satisfied with my form, I don't lose it with every race — I just "grow my legs". The only problem is that I'm getting tired, but overall I'm absolutely happy with the work I've done and the results I'm showing this season.

— After the December admissions of the first Russian athletes in neutral status to the World Cup stages in winter sports, do you have any hope that if not this season, then next season you and other Russian biathletes will also return to the international arena?

— Actually, I try not to think about it. Of course, this season we have been preparing in the best way for the upcoming Olympic Games in Italy. And the international season as a whole. But as they allow, so they will allow. We will act on the situation. Our job is small — just to be ready for the moment when we will be returned to the international competitions.

— Do you believe that by the end of 2026 you can return to them and take part in the next World Cup, which will begin in late November or December?

— To be honest, I don't know at all, because they don't tell us anything. There is no information in the media either. There's no progress, so I'm not aware. So let's see. I personally will be very happy if we come back. I really want to run at this level.

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

Olympic bronze medalist Karim Khalili — about plans for the coming years, the chances of a breakup of biathletes and the prospects of Russian skiers at the upcoming Games

"One or two World Cup stages, and we will calmly reach their level"

— When you watch the World Cup stages, do you compare yourself with their participants? Do you have any idea how long it will take to reach their level when you return?

— I'm watching some races. And I see the degree of readiness of the participants. I won't say that we are lagging far behind. I don't think we have any functional problems. The only thing that will probably surprise us there is the rate of fire. The conditions are almost perfect there, almost everywhere. There are few places in Europe with bad wind conditions and slippery carpets at the turn. Therefore, they increase the rate of fire. We'll have to get used to it. But I think that one or two stages of the World Cup, and we will calmly reach their level.

— Are there any plans to complete the next four-year Olympic cycle and compete at least until the Olympics in 2030?

— It's definitely too early to talk about it. I'm the kind of person who doesn't know how to make plans for the next week (smiles). That's why I don't know how it will turn out next. As long as my health allows, I'll probably run some more. But don't forget that I have two children. And I would still like to take care of their upbringing. So I can't promise anything about a four-year-old, but I don't plan to end my career yet.

— Does your health allow it?

— So far, yes. Of course, sores do come out with age. Unfortunately, big—time sports are not about health. But so far everything is in working order, controlled and there are no irreparable problems.

— Did you follow skiers Daria Nepryaeva and Savely Korostelev at the World Cup stages?

— I haven't watched all their races. But judging by the results and what I saw, Savely and Daria are showing themselves worthily. I think each of them will compete for a medal at the Olympics.