From the Junior Cup to the Olympic Games: Manca Caserman fulfils her childhood dream

At simply 19 years of age, Manca Caserman will characterize Slovenia in biathlon on the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. She was one of the vital profitable athletes on the IBU Junior Open European Championships in Imatra. Now she will get to take to the large stage.

But earlier than heading to Italy, Manca answered our questions.

Biathlonworld: Gold medal within the dash, silver within the blended relay. Manca, how happy are you with the competitions on the Junior European Championships in Imatra?

Manca Caserman: I’m delighted with the medals and very happy that I used to be capable of stabilize my taking pictures. My ski time was additionally good. Nevertheless, I nonetheless see issues that I can enhance on.

BW: How has the season been for you to date?

MC: I wasn’t happy with my races within the IBU Junior Cup in December. I merely made too many taking pictures errors. It was good for me that there was a break in competitors over Christmas. I got here again stronger in January and was capable of compete within the World Cup in Oberhof for the primary time. That was a particular second. I used to be capable of enhance my efficiency on the Junior Cup in Madona and completed on the rostrum twice.

BW: Before the season began, may you may have imagined competing within the World Cup?

MC: Definitely not. It got here as an enormous shock to me, however I’m very grateful that I used to be given this chance. It was all very thrilling. Suddenly I used to be standing subsequent to the biathletes I used to admire once I watched biathlon on tv. At the identical time, the massive crowds and cameras had been new to me and the races had been exhausting. But I realized quite a bit.

BW: At simply 19 years of age, you may have certified for the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. Is this a childhood dream come true for you?

MC: Yes, like for a lot of different athletes, the Olympic Games are the largest factor for me too. I hope that I can be in good condition and might benefit from the races there. I do not really feel any strain to carry out there. I’ll use the subsequent few days to recuperate after which begin making ready for the Games.

BW: If there’s a day with out biathlon, what do you do?

MC: I spend time with my household, my pals and my canine.

Biathlon followers ought to keep in mind the identify Manca Caserman. It is kind of potential that she can be showing on the large stage extra usually within the coming years.

Photos: IBU I Koksarov, Authamayou