For the first time in history, the biathlon world championship will take place without the participation of the Russian team. Before that, for 65 years, our athletes have always performed there. Nevertheless, in 2023, amid sanctions and suspensions, several Russians still made it to the tournament. We are talking about biathletes who compete for other teams. One of them – Timofey Lapshin representing the South Korean team since 2017.
In an interview with , the biathlete explained what task he set himself for the upcoming tournament, explained why the Russian team was not enough in Oberhof, and also suggested whether he could Johannes Be become the absolute best of the season.
– Tell people who are far from it about the Oberhof vibe.
“Good weather, oddly enough. I have never seen this here before. Although the first two days we were here it was foggy, rainy, windy, and today the weather is very nice outside. I think there will also be a lot of fans in the stands. The stadium preparation works are in full swing: I noticed that the track was narrowed a bit so that more spectators could fit on the sides. So I got it. I remember how it was before. From now on, there will be a lot of people in the first climb of the races from the general start.
– Do they remember the Russian biathletes there?
– Since I am tired of my worries, education and work, I do not bring up this topic when communicating with others. But, of course, there are not enough Russian biathletes, because before I saw someone I immediately talked, but now there is no one to talk to.
– Except with the ex-Russians, who now play for the Romanian national team.
– Yes, including with guys from Romania, Moldova, as well as with athletes who speak Russian. But, in general, I also communicate with athletes from other countries. Day before yesterday with (Lucas) Hofer speak a little. He also injured his ankle this season. He said that he would not go to the start of the mixed relay, but that he would already participate in the sprint.
– Previously Andrei Prokunin in an interview with , he said the only reason he didn’t stay at the South Korean national team headquarters was a Russian passport.
– There was a letter of recommendation from the IBU that teams should not have coaches and servicemen who have a Russian passport. This is just a letter of recommendation, it doesn’t say what should be deleted and that’s it. True, the passport played its role, but after the Games he was a candidate for a new position in the national team, as a result, the choice fell on others.
— You have a Russian passport and a South Korean passport. There were no problems?
– I have no problem.
– In your opinion, does Johannes Boe have competitors in this world championship?
– Judging by his performance in the season, he is much stronger than the others. But the World Cup is the main start of the season. Sometimes athletes who have been among the best all season, for whatever reason, fail to show perfect results at the most important tournament. The psychological factor plays a big role, but in my opinion this season he has so much self-confidence that he is unlikely to make mistakes.
In addition, the World Championship is a great opportunity for athletes who have been in 30th place all season to prove themselves. He will go into the medals and the season will definitely be recognized as successful for such an athlete. It happens too. It’s probably even a little easier to be in the shadows and then jump. Like at a distance: it’s easier for those who see behind and catch up.
– It is precisely this alignment that is surely expected. Quentin Fillon Maillet which this season is lower than itself last year.
– Yes it’s possible.
– Why is the season unsuccessful for him?
– Maybe after winning the Big Crystal Globe, a lot of attention fell on him. Interviews, publicity and everything else took up a lot of his time. Perhaps because of this, he was unable to fully concentrate on work. I associate his lack of preparation with that.
– In what form did you approach the tournament yourself?
As for the shape, I can’t say yet. After the end of the World Cup stage in Antholz, we still took part in the South Korean championship. We took off immediately after the stage, where we competed for four days in a row. Long flights also leave traces of adaptation: first going, then coming back. Arrived in Oberhof on February 3. On Wednesday we will run the mixed relay, after which it will become a little clearer in terms of fitness.
We can say that it will be a rehearsal before the personal races. Of course, we will try to show maximum results in the team competitions, but we are not talking about medals. When sprinting, you need to be in full combat readiness.
– During the season, you rode in the top 5. Do you expect to repeat this result?
– I don’t set super tasks, because they can pull you the other way. For my part, I made it my task to simply do everything right, to do my job in such a way that I wouldn’t be ashamed of it. It is the most important. And the result is already a bonus.
Source : MatchTV
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
