One of the most successful biathlon careers of all time will end on February 21, 2026. Then Dorothea Wierer will compete in her last race at the Olympic Games. Biathlon legend Anastasiya Kuzmina says an emotional farewell in advance.
Anastasiya Kuzmina knows exactly what it feels like to end your biathlon career. The three-time Olympic champion retired in 2019 – only to return to the big stage years later. In Antholz she will be in the front row when Dorothea Wierer crosses the finish line for the last time.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about Doro recently. We met during the preparation in Norway and had the opportunity to talk to each other. I can understand her decision. After spending so much time in biathlon, I know that she is really tired,” said Kuzmina in the “Fondo Italia” interview about her long-time competitor.
Kuzmina: That’s why Wierer is stopping now
Kuzmina, who was born in Russia and competes for Slovakia, has only good things to say about Wierer. “She’s a great athlete, a really fast shooter and perfect on the cross-country ski trail,” enthused Kuzmina, who knows exactly why Wierer is still drawing the last line.
“Given her results, many people wonder why she is quitting, but I know from my own experience that certain decisions simply have to be made at the right time. I think she believes that now is the right time. But that doesn’t mean that Doro won’t return to biathlon in some form. She will always remain part of the biathlon family,” Kuzmina is convinced.
Kuzmina knows exactly what awaits Wierer after February 21st from her own experience. “The period after retirement is complicated and beautiful because you have the freedom to do whatever you want. […] The most important thing is that she is clear about what she wants to do in her life and doesn’t feel lost after retiring. I wish her nothing but the best because she’s a great person.”
