Dorothea Wierer is entering her last biathlon winter. The two-time overall World Cup winner has now spoken openly about her impending end to her career and the time afterwards.
Dorothea Wierer is calling it quits after the coming biathlon season. But the Italian still has a big highlight in her career waiting for her: the 2026 Olympics at home.
“Not many athletes have the chance to end their career in this way, exactly where I put on skis for the first time,” said the 35-year-old in an interview with the international biathlon association IBU.
The Olympic medals are awarded in Antholz. “It’s exciting and scary at the same time, but my goal is to enjoy it to the fullest, regardless of the result,” said Wierer.
The Italian ski hunter has already celebrated great successes in her career, including two overall World Cup victories and four gold medals at world championships. Wierer has won three bronze medals at the Olympics so far.
Break after the end of his biathlon career
Wierer had already announced her impending end to her career months ago. “Of course there is always a latent fear of what comes next because I know that it is the last time and then it will be over. But I think that is normal when you are embarking on the unknown. I feel very privileged that I have many options and numerous offers and that helps me stay calm,” she revealed.
At the same time, Wierer revealed that he had actually planned differently. “I always told myself that I would quit when I was 30 – and yet I’m still here. I think the reason is that my career has turned out so much better than I ever dreamed,” explained the 35-year-old.
Wierer worked as a TV expert during the 2024 Summer Olympics. “I had a lot of fun,” she looked back. After her career ends, the Italian wants to take a break. “I feel like I’ve traveled too much and too often. I think it’s time for me to stay in one place for a while and leave my luggage empty,” Wierer reasoned.