Dorothea Wierer got fit again in time for the start of the new biathlon season. The four-time world champion made it onto the podium with the Italian mixed relay in Östersund. The former overall World Cup winner had to grit her teeth.
“I’m very happy that we made it to the podium. Obviously I suffered a lot today because for me it was a very difficult approach to competition, considering that a few days ago I had a fever and I wasn’t even sure “whether I would come to Östersund,” Wierer revealed to “Fondo Italia”.
The 33-year-old published a photo at the beginning of the week in which the thermometer showed 39 degrees. A race against time followed, which had a positive outcome.
Biathlon: Italy behind France and Norway
“In short, I think it’s also normal that I need a while to recover because you don’t get rid of the fever in a day. We have to accept that this is the situation today. I just hope that it is gets better from race to race,” explained Wierer.
The Italian mixed relay team still managed to finish third in Östersund on Saturday behind France and Norway. The German team ended up in fourth place.
Biathlon: Wierer expects difficult individual
The individual biathlon events are on the program on Sunday. “Now we’re looking to tomorrow, where I’ll hopefully survive,” said Wierer with a laugh, adding: “I’m aware that it will be very difficult.”
Wierer has been one of the biggest stars in biathlon for many years. The South Tyrolean won the overall World Cup in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons. Her resume also includes four gold medals at world championships. The 15th World Cup season may be its last.