Interview with Delphine Peretto

Are you satisfied with your season at this point ?
Not really ! I did a good relay in Oestersund, but in the rest I shoot badly. I hope to do better now.

What's possible in Olympics ?
I really expect something with the relay !

What do you think you can reach with the relay ?
I think that we're able to make a podium, but everybody of us has to be very good at this day.

… and who'll win ?
The Norwegians are very strong, the Russians, too. The Germans are also very good, but there's always someone who messes everything up.

… and today ? (women's relay in Oberhof)
WE ! (laughs) No, I really don't know … we'll see.

How's the atmosphere in the team ?
It's always super !

What are your goals for the rest of the season ?
I'd like to be among the first 25 or 30. And to be in Overall World Cup among the Top 20 would be great, too.

How did you discover Biathlon ?
I did cross-country before and I had some friends who said that this is great and that I should try it. So I did it.

You had to interrupt your career often because of injuries. Wasn't this frustrating ?
Yes, it was really a hard time, but I always said to myself : "You're young, you've got plenty of time." That helped.

Have you thought about break off everything ?
Yes, I said to myself, if I get the same injury like 2 years ago, I'll chuck all.

What memories do you have on your first World Cup race ?
It was in Beitostolen in 2004. I started the race very well, but then I was really exhausted and messed up the standing shooting.

What do you think before a race ?
Nothing special. I think about technical things, about shooting and things I shall pay attention at ski.

What was until now the best moment of your career ?
I think this might be the relay in San Sicario last season. My parents other family members were there and I did already good races before. That was a really good week for me.

What do you think is the reason that there is no doping in Biathlon, like it exists in cycling or cross-country ?
I suppose it's because of the money. In Biathlon you earn less and so you don't want to take the risk to ruin your health with doping. Besides there is also the shooting and there you can't do anything with doping.

Have you got an idol ?
Mhhh … Sandrine ! (laughs) She's really strong, she's always kind and brings all the time a good atmosphere into the team. It's quite good to have somebody like her in the team !

Interview made by Anne Gassner & Karolin Hemp in January 2006