Dmitry was also surprised by the support on the podium from the Norwegian biathletes
Ukrainian biathlete Dmitry Pidruchny commented on his third place in the sprint at the IBU Cup in Austrian Obertilliach.
“I am very happy that I was able to return to the track and have the opportunity to compete. I am very surprised by today’s result, but I am glad that I got to the podium. Thanks to my family, the whole team, coaches, doctors and fans who did everything possible so that I could return to the competition. I’ve been waiting for this for a very long time.”
“The previous weeks have been very difficult for me, both physically and mentally. I realized that my knee was not functioning very well and there was a lot of work to be done. It’s nice that today, after such a long pause, everything turned out perfectly, and already in the first race after the operation, I became a bronze medalist.”
“Thanks to the opponents for the fight! I was pleasantly surprised when Endre Strömsheim and Vebjorn Sorum, who were with me on the podium, said “Glory to Ukraine”! It is pleasant to hear support from rivals who are aware of what is happening in Ukraine now and that the war is not over. They feel how important every start of Ukrainians is for our country. Such words are very motivating in this difficult time for the country.”
“The last few weeks have been difficult for me, not only because I was returning to the sport, but also because I lost a comrade in the war. Lately, I’ve talked a lot with him, we supported each other, but, unfortunately, I didn’t get a message from him today.”
“I would like to dedicate this medal to my comrade Eduard, who died defending Ukraine a few weeks ago. If it were not for guys like him, today we would not have the opportunity to represent Ukraine in the international sports arena and glorify it. We are doing everything possible to make our country heard and not forgotten, so that our flag is raised on the highest step of the pedestal.”
“I will be grateful to every Ukrainian fan who will support the petition to confer the title of Hero of Ukraine on my comrade Eduard Ivanovich Pinchuk (posthumously).”
Pidruchny took third place in the sprint race at the IBU Cup in Obertilliach, Austria. This was Dmitry’s first race after knee surgery.
Pidruchny underwent successful surgery in Germany in December. The athlete was absent from the team due to a torn meniscus.
A full-fledged return of Dmitry is expected at the World Championships in Oberhof, which will be held from February 8 to 19, 2023. Pidruchny was included in the preliminary list of the Ukrainian team for the upcoming World Cup.
Source: Sportarena
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