Biathlete Paulina Batovska Fialkova put an impressive comeback in the World Cup last season. The Slovenin was now awarded in her homeland for her achievements.
Paulina Batovska Fialkova is Slovenia’s new biathlete of the year. The 32-year-old received a gala of the National Association on Wednesday evening.
The ski hunter had become a mother for the first time in December 2023, which caused her to drop out the season in the World Cup completely. In the past winter, Fialkova immediately celebrated her comeback. With 289 points she took 28th place in the highest biathlon league, which was by far the best athlete in her country.
In Annecy, French, the Slovenin had even made it to the podium. In the mass start, she took third place. At the end of the winter in Oslo, Fialkova was able to score more points with two other sixth places in the pursuer and in the mass start.
Slovenia distinguishes the best juniors
In addition, the experienced biathlete managed to drive into the top 10 several times, for example at the Lenzerheide World Cup (sixth place). The association paid tribute to this on Wednesday at the gala as the “best collective achievement” of the past season.
Fialkova 2018/19 had her best season so far when she took third place in the individual World Cup and in the mass start world cup. At that time, sixth place jumped out in the overall ranking.
Meanwhile, Jakub Borgula, who had won second place in the sprint at the Junior World Championship, was honored as the best talent of Slovenia. At the beginning of winter, Borgula had also been able to gain important experiences in the World Cup when he started in Contiolahti and Ruhpolding. As a reward for the services shown, he was allowed to get involved again at the end of Oslo.