Iconic Star Bids Farewell to the Stage
The world of biathlon bids farewell to a legend as Dorothea Wierer prepares for her final race. This exceptional athlete will compete in the women’s mass start at the Olympics, marking the end of a remarkable 17-year career. Wierer is hailed as an iconic figure in Italian sports, greatly influencing the popularity of biathlon in her country.
Dorothea Wierer: A Legendary Career
Dorothea Wierer, known affectionately as “Doro,” has made a significant impact in biathlon. Although she may not be considered a top contender anymore, her final performance in front of a home audience promises to be an emotional highlight. “It will feel different. I will try to enjoy it,” she reflected in a pre-race interview.
Aiming for Gold
At 35, Wierer still harbors dreams of a glorious conclusion to her career. Despite strong competition, she is determined to give her all in this last race. A coveted Olympic gold medal remains the only missing piece in her extensive collection of accolades.
- Four Olympic Medals: 1 Silver and 3 Bronze
- Four World Championships Gold Medals
- 17 World Cup Individual Race Victories
- Two Overall World Cup Titles (2018/19, 2019/20)
Wierer’s Olympic journey began with a silver medal in the mixed relay at Antholz. Although she has achieved much, an Olympic victory has eluded her throughout her career.
The Impact of Dorothea Wierer
Teammate Tommaso Giacomel, currently second in the men’s overall World Cup standings, expressed his disbelief at Wierer’s departure from the competition. “We will miss her unique charisma,” he stated. Giacomel emphasized that her contributions have greatly increased biathlon’s visibility in Italy.
“If biathlon is now popular in Italy, it’s 90% her doing,” he remarked. Wierer herself recognizes her role in promoting a sport that was relatively unknown in her country.
Looking Ahead
While the future remains uncertain for Wierer, her aspirations include becoming a mother. However, the immediate focus is on the medal chase in her final competition. Coach Fabio Cianciana acknowledged the significance of this day, not just for Wierer but for the entire Italian biathlon community.
As she crosses the finish line on Saturday, the question remains: Will she leave with tears or a smile? One thing is certain—Dorothea Wierer’s legacy in biathlon will endure long after her last race.
