Ekaterina Dafovska to FACT: This is Lora Hristova's Olympics

The Olympic Games once again brought reasons for pride to Bulgarian biathlon. Lora Hristova's strong performance and the stable performances of our other competitors returned our country among the best in this sport. About the past starts, the hopes and expectations, as well as the emotion of rewarding your own competitor… Olympic champion and member of the management of the international biathlon Ekaterina Dafovska speaks to FACT.

- Mrs. Dafovska, how do you assess the performance of the Bulgarian biathletes at the Olympic Games? Were the hopes we left with justified?
- Absolutely. We used everything we hoped for. What we have dreamed of for so many years – to have a medal – I think it's already a reality. This is Lora Hristova's Olympics. Let's not forget that they also had excellent starts in the pursuit – seventh and 14th place. This means that we are in the elite.

- Before the first start in the individual discipline they asked: “Who is this girl from Bulgaria? (ed. – it's about Lora Hristova)“ – and now they already know. Right?
- And they're still going to talk about Lora. She has qualities, she has the potential to develop further. To make 20 out of 20 in shooting and repeat it two days later – this is a sign of great class. Lora is a very good shooter, maybe even better than me! (laughs). God forbid, this is the idea of sports – to build on.

- Let's go back to the individual start. After the second shooting, when Lora had 10 out of 10, what were you thinking?
- There's nothing to think about in the individual competition. It's 15 kilometers, a different distance, and there are many more competitors after it. Nothing can be predicted until the fourth shooting. After the second, you simply can't draw conclusions. But with this start, she showed that she is excellently prepared and inspired respect.

- How do you assess the performance of our other competitors?
- The results for the boys are not so convincing, that's obvious. But the two girls - Lora Hristova and Milena Todorova - showed class. I hope they will also make strong shootings in the relay. There are more starts to come - there is a mass start, there is a relay. They will have a chance to run individually once again.

- You had the honor of awarding Laura. What was the feeling?
- Indescribable. It's not every day that you award your own athlete. This is a double dose of happiness.

- How is it determined who participates in the award ceremonies?
- The distribution is made by the Secretary General and the Executive Board of the International Biathlon Union. The evening before the start of the 15-kilometer race, I was told that I would participate in the ceremony.

- As a member of the Board of the International Biathlon Union (IBU), how do you see the development of biathlon?
- Biathlon is developing extremely quickly, including thanks to the media. Its popularity is growing. Yesterday there were about 20,000 people at the pursuit - probably more than at many other Olympic competitions. This shows how much interest there is in biathlon.