Вне биатлонной трассы: Сара Мерфи «Биатлон – моя судьба»

Она ЕДИНСТВЕННАЯ…

… единственная биатлонистка из Новой Зеландии, выступающая на этапах Кубка Мира. Единственная, участвовавшая в Олимпийских Играх 2010. И за это ей наше огромное уважение.

Уважение за ее страсть и энтузиазм – ведь было бы намного проще заняться чем-либо другим, но ее сердце бьется только для биатлона.

Уважение за отвагу и мужество – путешествия и подготовка ко всем соревнованием в одиночестве – это действительно очень сложно, представьте, если бы вы могли рассчитывать только на помощь и поддержку членов других команд и друзей. Но, несмотря на все те проблемы, которые возникают на ее пути во время сезона, она никогда не сдается.

Думаю, молодым людям стоит прочесть это. Ее жизнь, ее личность может стать настоящим кумиром для них. И каждый может стать ее сторонником.

Я горжусь этим интервью. Вперед, Новозеландский биатлон! Вперед, Сара Мерфи!

(Перевод выполнен Викторией Ивановой)

Когда вы решили стать биатлонисткой?

     - Думаю, судьба сама выбрала для меня биатлон, так как я была первым родившимся ребенком в долине Боу (Bow Valley) во время Олимпийских Игр в 1988 году. И мой первый в детстве выход пришелся как раз на Олимпийские биатлонные соревнования в городе Кэнмор. Но момент, когда я осознала, что я биатлонистка, наступил во время поездки в Ванкувер на Олимпиаду. Именно тогда я по-настоящему почувствовала, что я чего-то достигла в спорте.

Биатлонист из Новой Зеландии… звучит немного «экзотично». Должно быть, довольно сложно выступать за эту страну – я имею ввиду спонсирование, финансирование… Почему же вы выбрали Новую Зеландию?

     - Я выступала за Канаду на Чемпионате Мира среди юниоров 2007 в Валь-Мартелло, а в 2009 году на Чемпионате Мира среди юниоров в Кэнмор я представляла Новую Зеландию. Иногда я думаю, какой была бы моя жизнь, если бы я продолжила выступать за Канаду. Уверена, у меня бы сейчас не было того «сумасшедшего» опыта, который я приобрела, путешествуя в одиночестве, с винтовкой за плечами, начиная с 19 лет. Да, у меня нет достаточно средств, что бы обеспечить путешествия тренера вместе со мной и это действительно является очень большой сложностью. Посещение встреч капитанов команд – не совсем то, чем я хотела бы заняться в ночь перед гонкой, но, по крайней мере, я принимаю участие в своего рода развлечениях для представителей всех больших стран. Мне сложно находить спонсоров, это сложно не только для меня, но даже для ARS компании управления спортом. На самом деле, жизнь не такая уже и плохая, и я не стала бы ее сейчас менять.

Что можете сказать о популярности биатлона в Новой Зеландии?

     - Биатлон растет и развивается с каждым годом. Теперь у нас есть 12-ти полосное стрельбище, которое дополняет наши замечательные лыжные трассы. В настоящее время в Европе находится биатлонная группа из Новой Зеландии, еще будет пара сборов этой зимой в Новой Зеландии.

Считаете ли вы, что биатлон был бы более популярен там, если бы вы выиграли медаль большого биатлонного соревнования?

     - Я считаю, что, безусловно, это помогло бы, но здесь, в Новой Зеландии, есть только одно место, где можно заниматься лыжной подготовкой и стрельбой и это место находится в 45 минутах езды от ближайшего городка, так что я не уверена… Тем не менее, я думаю, от этого была бы польза для развития спорта. И, возможно, через некоторое время, люди увидели бы на старте Новозеландскую женскую эстафетную четверку!

Вы были первым биатлонистом на Олимпийских Играх, представляющим Новую Зеландию. Расскажите нам о ваших чувствах, эмоциях. Вам понравилось?

     - Это было совершенно удивительно! Я добиралась пять дней, это казалось чем-то нереальным. Мои мама и папа были волонтерами на биатлонных соревнованиях и, когда я пересекла финишную линию, они были рядом.  Кроме того, Канада была благосклонна к моему переходу в другую страну, так что меня там все поддерживали.

Как думаете, многие люди поддерживали вас только потому, что вы представляли не типичную для биатлона страну?

     - Думаю, не имеет значения, куда вы направляетесь, люди всегда будут болеть за небольшие нации.

Считаете ли вы, что это происходит и сейчас, когда вы представляете Новую Зеландию на этапах Кубка Мира?

     - Мне кажется, люди всегда немного удивляются при виде биатлониста из Новой Зеландии на стартовой линии. И у меня есть поддержка со стороны болельщиков и членов других команд, так как многие знают, каково это – быть единственным представителем страны на Кубке Мира.

Олимпийские Игры в Сочи в 2014 году. Что это событие значит для вас? Будете ли вы концентрироваться на этом событии больше, чем на всех остальных?

     - Это олимпиада, которая всегда была моей целью. 2010 был приятным сюрпризом, но я фокусировалась на 2014. Не думаю, что я посвящала так много мыслей и вкладывала так много сил во что-либо другое, как в подготовку к Олимпиаде 2014. Участие в этих играх это… я даже не знаю… это сложно выразить словами.

Почему вы выбрали Швейцарию для проживания и тренировок?

     - Сестры Гаспарин подыскивали кого-нибудь для переезда и совместных тренировок с их тренером в долине Энгадин. Так как я одна и у меня есть свобода выбора, и, поскольку с 19 лет я тренировалась в одиночестве, я решила присоединиться к ним.

И как вам тренировки с командой Швейцарии?

     - Этим летом тренировки с девчонками были замечательными, мы много веселились. И еще, я имела возможность проверить свое физическое и психологическое состояние как полноценный спортсмен. Пока мои планы на следующий год не полностью определены, но я вернусь в Новую Зеландию, чтобы принять участие в Новозеландских зимних играх.

Вы довольны своим выступлением в этом сезоне? Знаю, вы сменили винтовку. Если еще что-то, что вы хотели бы улучшить?

     - Честно говоря, этот сезон я начала очень слабо. Мне нужен был новый ствол, поскольку мой был очень старым, и в холодную погоду было сложно стрелять точно. Я сменила ствол, а так как мой старый ствол был толще и, соответственно, тяжелее, мне еще надо привыкать к новому. Я подходила к сезону, будучи в хорошей форме, но все быстро изменилось в худшую сторону и это очень разочаровывает. Очень надеюсь, что больше не будет неприятных сюрпризов со снаряжением. Очень рада тому, что могу рассчитывать на поддержку и помощь с лыжами от Salomon, с патронами от Norma, а также на помощь Словении в обработке моих лыж.

Какое место или стадион, где проводятся этапы Кубка Мира, является вашим любимым?

     - Хм… наверное Антхольц. Это красивое место и погода там чаще всего просто замечательная. Еще я люблю Рупольдинг из-за огромной толпы любителей биатлона, и еще Ханты-Мансийск, его трассы напоминают мне Канаду (за исключением того, что тут намного больше одетых в меха людей выстраиваются вдоль трассы).

Какое достижение в биатлоне вы цените больше всего?

     - Из моих? Моим самым большим достижением является то, что я первая биатлонистка, представляющая Новую Зеландию на Олимпийских Играх. Я горжусь тем, что являюсь примером для подражания для детей, и мне нравится наблюдать за тем, как развивается спорт. А что касается результатов... Я не из тех биатлонистов, которым нужны только награды, поэтому я ценю каждую гонку, некоторые для меня лично складывались очень хорошо.  Например, индивидуальная гонка на Чемпионате мира в Рупольдинге – тогда, после той гонки я собиралась уходить из биатлона, и потому наслаждалась каждым моментом пребывания там.

Кто ваш лучший друг среди биатлонистов, есть ведь такие?

     - Ну, знаете, когда Элиза Гаспарин и я находимся на биатлонной трассе это всегда выглядит так, как-будто обезьянки катаются на лыжах. Когда мы вместе, мы немного сумасшедшие. А еще Розанна Кроуфорд, мы выросли вместе, и она одна из тех людей, которые привели меня в биатлон. Ну а если мне нужно мнение мужчины, то люди, на которых я могу рассчитывать - это Петэр Докль, Клемен Бауэр и Яков Фак.

Ваша семья путешествует вместе с вами во время проведения Кубка мира?

     - Нет. Мне кажется здесь, на Кубке мира у меня появилась новая семья. Словения работает с моими лыжами, Великобритания помогает улучшить мою стрельбу, Salomon помогает с лыжами, Swix с лыжными палками, и в какую страну мне бы не пришлось ехать, мне оказывают помощь с транспортировкой.

Вы путешествуете по всему миру, и однажды в своем блоге написали, что ваш дом везде и всюду, но все же, какое место является вашим любимым?

     - Наверное, это Квинстаун, Новая Зеландия. Это самое удивительное место в мире и я призываю всех посетить его.

Есть ли какое-либо место, где вы хотели бы побывать?

     - Я очень люблю путешествовать и хотела бы побывать в каждом уголке этого мира. Но, думаю, Таиланд и Непал будут следующими в моем списке.

Чем вы любите заниматься, когда ваши лыжи и винтовка «отдыхают»?

     - Я люблю лыжный туризм, горные лыжи и альпинизм. Если бы я не была биатлонисткой, то  наверняка стремилась бы стать гидом по горнолыжному туризму. И если мне выпадает шанс выбраться в горы, я обязательно им пользуюсь.

Официальный блог Сары Мерфи:

www.murphy-biathlon.blogspot.com

Уважаемые читатели, если вы нашли ошибки в тексте, пожалуйста сообщите о них по электронному адресу vento02@mail.ru

Behind the track: Sarah Murphy “Biathlon is my destiny”

She is THE ONE…

…THE ONE biathlete from New Zealand racing in the World Cup circuit. THE ONE who participated in Olympic Games 2010. Well, BIG RESPECT to her.

RESPECT for the passion - It could be easier to do anything else but her heart beats only for biathlon.

RESPECT for the courage – Travelling and preparing alone for all competitions must be really difficult, imagine you can count only with help and support from other teams and friends. But no matter what problems may she faces during the season, she never gives up.

I think, every young person should read this. Her life, her person could be the real idol for them. And everyone could be her own supporter. I am proud I made this exclusive interview. Go on New Zealand´s biathlon!  Go on Sarah Murphy!

What was the moment you decided to become biathlete?

     "I think destiny chose biathlon for me as I was the first baby born in the Bow valley during the 1988 Olympic, and my first outing as a baby was to the biathlon Olympic event in Canmore. I think the moment I realized I was a biathlete was when I went to the Olympics in Vancouver. That is when I really felt like I had achieved something in the sport."

Biathlete from New Zealand… it sounds a little bit “exotic”. It must be very difficult to race for that country - I mean problems with sponsoring, funding etc.  So why did you choose New Zealand?

     "I raced for Canada at the World Junior Championships in Martell in 2007, and then raced World Junior Championships for New Zealand in Canmore in 2009. I sometimes wonder how different my life would be if I had continued racing for Canada, but I am sure I would not have had the crazy experiences I have had with traveling the world alone, starting at 19 years old, with a rifle. I am very proud to race for New Zealand, and I love seeing the sport grow there. I don’t have enough money for a coach to travel with me, and I think this is what makes it really difficult. Going to the team captains meetings is not usually something I want to do the night before the race, but at least I provide some sort of hilarious entertainment for all the big nations there. Sponsors are difficult to find for me, even for ARS sport Management Company. But, life is really not so bad, and I would not change it at this moment for anything else."

What about the popularity of biathlon in New Zealand?

     "Biathlon is growing every year. We now have a 12 lane range to compliment our amazing cross-country ski tracks. There is currently a biathlon group from NZL in Europe right now, and we will be having another couple camps in NZL this coming winter (Southern Hemisphere winter, Northern Hemisphere summer)." 

Do you think biathlon would be more popular there if you achieve a medal from the big biathlon event?

     "I think it would definitely help my profile, but there is only one spot you can ski and shoot in New Zealand, and it is a 45 minute drive from the closest town, so I am not sure. I think it would be good for the sport development and maybe in the long run people would see a New Zealand women’s relay on the start line!"

You were the first New Zealand´s biathlete at the Olympics. Tell us about your feelings, emotions… Did you enjoy it?

     "This was absolutely amazing. I found out I was going to the 2010 Olympics 5 days before I was meant to arrive. It did not seem real. My mother and father were both volunteering at the biathlon event, so when I crossed the finish line they were right there. Also, Canada has been very supportive of my nation switch, so everyone was behind me cheering me on as the first Kiwi out there."

Were many people cheering you on and supporting you just because of the fact you represented not so typical biathlon country?

     "I think no matter where you go, people will always be rooting for the little nations."

Do you find this is happening also this season when you representing New Zealand in the World Cup?

     "I think people are always surprised to see an athlete from the New Zealand on the start line. I have gotten nothing but support from the fans and other teams, as many know what a struggle it is to be alone on the World Cup circuit."

Olympic Games in Sochi 2014. What does it mean to you? Will you focus more on this event than the others?

     "These are the games that have always been my big goal. 2010 was such a surprise, but 2014 has really been my focus. I don't think I have ever put this much thought and dedication into anything. Going to these games would really...I'm not sure...I guess it is something I cannot write on paper."

Why did you choose Switzerland for living and training?

     "The Gasparin sisters were looking for someone to move to Engadin valley to train with them and their coach, Vegard Bitnes. As I am alone and have the freedom to choose where I go, and since I have been training alone since I was 19 years old, I decided to go for it."

How is the training with the Switzerland team?

     "Training with the girls this summer was great. We had a lot of fun times, nothing was ever too serious, and it really tested me physically and mentally as a full-time athlete. Right now my plans for the next year are not very solid, but I will be heading back to New Zealand to compete in the 100% Pure New Zealand winter Games."

Sarah really enjoyed training with Gasparin sister

Are you satisfied with your performance this season? I know you changed your rifle. Is there anything more you want to improve?

     "I will be honest- this season has started off very poorly. I had to get a new barrel as mine was very old and was not shooting straight in cold weather anymore. I went for a sprint barrel, where as my old barrel was a thicker and heavier one, so now I need to get used to this new weight. It was very disappointing to go into the season feeling so good, to have it turn so disastrous so quickly. I just hope there are no more surprises on the equipment failure front. I am lucky to have support from Salomon for my skis, Norma for my ammunition, and Slovenia waxing my skis."

Which World Cup place or stadium is your favorite?

     "My favorite would have to be...hmm...I think Antholz. It is so beautiful and the weather is often perfect. I love Ruhpolding because of the vibe of the crowd, and I love Khanty because the tracks remind me of Canada (except for there is a lot more fur clad individuals lining the race track)."

What biathlon success do you appreciate most?

     "Mine? My biggest success is being the first biathlete for NZL at an Olympics. I am so proud to be a role model for younger kids, and love watching the sport grow. Result wise? Well, I have never been the type of athlete to say I want to get gold, so all the races I appreciate the most were ones where I had a good race personally. For instance Ruhpolding World Champs Individual - I thought I was going to retire after this race, and I was just loving every part of being out there."

Who is your best friend among all biathletes? Do you have any?

     "Well, you will always know when Elisa Gasparin and I are out on the tracks as it sounds like monkeys are skiing around. We are a little crazy together. Rosanna Crawford and I grew up together and she is one of the people who got me into biathlon. And if I need a man’s opinion, I can always count on Petr (Dokl), Klemen (Bauer), and Jacko (J.Fak)."

Is your family travelling with you during the World Cup?

     "Nope. I guess I have made a new family for myself on the World Cup. Slovenia does my skis, Great Britain zeroes me, Salomon helps with the skis, Swix with the poles, and any country that happens to be driving in the direction I am going with transportation."

You travel around the world and you say on your blog your home is anywhere and everywhere. But what is your most favorite place?

     "My most favorite place is probably Queenstown, New Zealand. It is the most amazing place in the world and I urge everyone to one day come down for a cup of tea and a visit."

Is there any place you want to visit once in your life?

     "I really have the traveling bug, so I want to go everywhere, but I think Thailand and Nepal are potentially next on my list."

What do you like to do when your skis and rifle are taking rest?

     "I love ski touring, downhill skiing and climbing mountains. If I wasn't a biathlete, I would be working towards becoming a ski tour guide, so every chance I get to be heading out into the hills, I am out there."

Sarah loves the mountains

Visit the official blog of Sarah Murphy:

www.murphy-biathlon.blogspot.com

Behind the track: Agnieszka Cyl "I train with passion"

Strong teammate...  

...and kind person. Imagine you are young and you have trainer with so passion, enthusiasm, empathy, experiences, and rich career. You know, If I was a kid I would be really proud of her. Maybe as proud as now when writing these words.

So I'm proud to present you not only talented biathlete but also the possible trainer of next biathlon talents. Thanks Agnieszka Cyl for this nice exclusive interview.

Sprint, Individual, Pursuit... there are many competitions for biathletes. Do you have a favorite one?

     "All kinds of runs are incredible for me. I love direct competition during pursuit or mass start, amazing speed in sprint and relay and I also appreciate calm and stamina during individual."

So which biathlon success of your career do you appreciate most?

     "The most of all I appreciate 7th place at Olympics in Vancouver, 6th place from sprint at Presque Island. Then 3rd and 4th place from relay that are also important for me."

The new season is underway. Which World Cup place or which World Cup stadium of this season is special for you or is your favorite?

     "Pokljuka is still the best, the most beautiful, my favorite."

Is your family travelling with you during the season? Who is your biggest fan?
     "Unfortunately, only my husband travel with me but when competitions take place in Poland my family and friend try to be with me. My best fans are my husband and my niece Kinga. My family and friends are also my faithful fans, I don’t present all of them because it is too much to write."

You love music... do you listen to the music right before the race just to get to the right mood?

     "Before start, when I am in arena, music is with me very rarely. But in my room I use to listen to the music with volume and style that is harmonized with my mood."

Agnieszka loves working with children and wants to have her own Kindergarten

We remember Olympic Games in Vancouver - especially the closing ceremony - it was one big party with many concerts. How did you enjoy it?

     "Unfortunately, I couldn’t be neither at opening nor closing ceremony."

Is there any show or concert you want to see in your life?

     "This year, I managed to visit two concerts of my best bands: Myslowitz and Happysad. Unfortunately I wasn’t on Muse, I lost the concert in November, but maybe they will be back in Poland during the spring and I’ll be able to participate in their show."

Olympic Games in Sochi. Are you looking forward? What are your ambitions?

     "Sochi is the necessary aim, my work is oriented exactly on Olympics in 2014. As an athlete my ambition is to gain a medal."

Agnieszka with her teammates and friends Monika Hojnisz and Krystyna Palka

What do you think about the idea of Olympic Games 2022 organizing by Poland and Slovakia?

     "I have nothing against this idea. I think Slovakia is able to co-organize Olympics with good standard. Additionally I would be close to watch some competitions."

Another thing you love is sleeping. Have you ever slept for the training?

     "It’s true I love sleeping. I always sleep after training, it’s the best relax for me. I sleep between trainings, at least one hour to 3 hours. I'm trying to sleep as much as my body needs and I'm adjusting sleep time to trainings."

What except biathlon and sleeping is your favorite activity?

     "All kind of physical activity, for example team games or swimming. I like spending time with my friends in mountains, by the sea or just playing cards at the table. Working with children is always pleasure for me, even when I am exhausted." 

Now let's talk about physical activity in the kitchen. Do you cook yourself? What kind of food do you like?

     "In general I like eating, I think it would be easier to say what kind of food I don’t like (smiling). Of course I cook, but not during season preparations. When I am at home training, my husband cooks. He cooks with passion and he wants to be helpful for me when I train. It’s a kind of relax for him and he is much better cooker than me. However he cooks great, I bake cakes better than him."

Few weeks ago Slovak biathlete Pavol Hurajt has opened his own restaurant. Maybe this could be your plan for the future?

     "No, it isn’t my plan. I want to enlarge my family, open my own kindergarten, train and be happy."

Good idea to open a kindergarten - what about training little biathlon talents in the future?

     "I want to be a biathlon trainer."

And do you want your children to be biathletes or any other athletes?

     "If I have children I would want them to be physically fit. I would encourage them with my husband to train some sport. Not necessarily biathlon. I would give them a choice. I won’t persuade them to train biathlon. It should be their own decision what to do in their life. If they would like to train something - they should train with passion as I do."                                              

                                            

Visit the official site of Agnieszka Cyl:

www.agnieszkacyl.pl 

Click and join Agnieszka on Facebook:

Agnieszka Cyl Page

Behind the track: Weronika Nowakowska-Ziemniak “Vancouver was the chance, Sochi is a time for medal”

She earns success after success…

… bronze medal from Universiade 2009, fifth place from Olympic Games 2010, bronze medal from Summer World Championship 2011, Universiade champion in sprint and pursuit from Trentino 2013...

Ok, now you know her achievements, but what about to know her feelings and things she likes.

Meet the very nice girl from Poland Weronika Nowakowska-Ziemniak in this exclusive interview.   

Your 5-th place from individual race in Olympics 2010 was the best result for you and also for your country. How were your feelings after the race?

     "Well, I was very happy and absolutely not disappointed."

It would be great to repeat this success, maybe you want to get higher in Sochi...

     "Yes, Vancouver was the chance but Sochi will be a good time to achieve medal."

Weronica achieved great result in Olympic Games 2010

Is Whistler Olympic Park in Vancouver your favorite stadium thanks to this success? Or is there any other biathlon stadium you like most?

     "Of course I like the stadium in Vancouver but I must say my favorite is Antholz. I like the tracks, shooting range, nice atmosphere and wonderful views. Also weather is usually very nice there."

Who is your usual roommate when you travel for World Cup races?

     "I live with Monika Hojnisz, the youngest from our team and I like it very much."

Tell us about your other favorites. What do you like to do most when you have free time?

     "Usually I don't have a lot of free time, but the most of all I like to spend it with my friends and family. I like also reading books and my biggest hobby is travelling." 

Do you like football? Have you been watching Euro 2012 that Poland co-organized with Ukraine?

     "I don´t like football so much but of course big events like Euro I usually watch."

Where except Duszniki-zdroj can we meet you relaxing and enjoying free days?

     "As I said before I like to travel very much and I just love to discover new wild places. But spending time in my beautiful hometown is also very nice."

Sure you must be very famous in your hometown. What famous person would you like to meet in your life?

     "I would like to meet Dalaylama and talk with him, this is my dream. But generally I like to meet new people, each human is a new story..."

Weronika loves to discover new wild places. In Thailand with her biathlon friends Katja Haller, Dorothea Wierer and Eva Tofalvi

What is your favorite food and drink? 

     "After my last journey to Thailand I like spicy Thai dishes but also Italian kitchen is very tasty for me! And Sushi is also something what I like."

Do you cook yourself? Do you like it?

     "Cooking? I like preparing meals but unfortunately I have not so often an opportunity to do it."

Have you ever been involved or asked for being the face of some brand? Can you imagine of being a model?

     "No I haven´t and honestly I have never thought about it. Probably it's easier than doing biathlon :)"

How do you see your future once after retirement? Will you stay with biathlon or do you have any other plans?

     "I have many plans. I want to have a family-that's for sure and I want to stay connected with sport. Maybe I will be coaching maybe I won’t...we will see what life will bring." 

Behind the track: Terka Poliakova “All biathletes dream of Olympic Games, so do I”

What a newcomer…

You can watch her on the tracks in her first World cup season trying to do her best. Go on and keep cheering! But maybe you will have the reasons to cheer more when you meet her behind the track in this exclusive interview. I think it´s a good idea, isn´t it?

I´m proud to present you the young talented Slovak biathlete – the rising star Terezia Poliakova.

Why biathlon? What fascinates you most about this sport?

     "Most of all shooting, because it is not easy to go through it in ordinary life. And of course the harmony of running and accurate sight."

Do you have any biathlon idol or any other idol?

     "I have many favorite athletes but I have never thought they could become my idols. So I must say I haven´t any."

Favorite biathlon competition?

     "Again I haven´t any, every day and race is different as well. Once you achieve good result in sprint another time in individual race."

In the new season you will be the part of top Slovak women team for the World Cup. How was your summer training camp? Do you feel in good shape?

     "We were traveling a lot in summer, our second home became Osrblie and Obertilliach. I think the training was really hard but I don´t know if it led to the right shape – we will see in winter."

Any tip for the winner of the World Cup?

     "Anyone of the TOP 30 biathletes could win in biathlon, that´s why I like this sport too. No one has certainty as a winner, so I dare not say who it could be."

How did you enjoy 3 biathlon medals from the Olympic Games in Vancouver 2010?

     "Sitting by the computer and television - screaming and cheering as loud as it was possible."

Were those results your motivation for the trainings - the motivation for standing on the Olympic podium once?

     "Of course it motivated me. Every athlete dreams of the Olympic podium and these medals convinced me that also biathletes from small country just like Slovakia could win."

Shooting is one of the reasons why Terka loves biathlon

Sochi 2014. What does it mean to you?

     "Surely I would like to compete there and I would like to achieve some good result. Olympic Games are my big dream."

Do you like travelling? Do you have a favorite place or is there any place you want to visit once?

     "I like to travel although I don´t like spending time by travelling, especially 8 or 9 hours in car. But I like to meet new countries and new people. I haven´t any favorite place, I would like to visit places that are beautiful and could be interesting for me for some reason."  

Who is your usual roommate when you travel for racing and training camps?

     "I use to live with Lucia Šimova most but I have very good relationship with all girls from our team. It is important that we understand each other and we are very good team especially in winter when we are out of our homes."

Biathletes can´t race with music in their ears. But do you like to train with music? What kind of  music is it?

     "In the past I used to train with music all the time but I realized I didn´t concentrate on my moves. These days I use my headphones mainly when I want to relax or to change my thoughts when something fails. Of course the music must be fast to energize me."

Enjoying mountains with her friend and teammate from Slovak team Lucia Šimova

Your favorite activity when you are not doing biathlon?

     "I tried the mountain climbing last year and I liked it very much. And I use to ski in my free time since I was a child. But when I have free time after really long time my favorite activity is lying and watching a good film."

Can you imagine what would you do when biathlon didn´t exist?

     "I would do some other sport for sure but I don´t know what kind of sport, because thank god biathlon exists."