Interview with Sandrine Bailly

Are you satisfied with your season at this point ?
Yes, I am. I'm satisfied because my shape is very good, especially my shooting.

What is possible at Olympics ?
It is possible to win a medal in all races, but there are a lot who want this. Of course, I want to win. Who doesn't want to?

… and with the relay?
There are many good relays, like Germany, Russia, Norway. We have to be very, very good to win a medal.

If you become an Olympic champion, you have won, actually, already everything. Can you still motivate yourself then, nevertheless ?
I do not know. The Olympics are a big goal now. But if I have no more goals after this year, it will be very difficult. But now I don't know this yet.

How is the atmosphere in the team ?
There's always a good atmosphere !

Which memories do you have on your first world cup race ?
It was in Lahti, an individual and it was very hard. I was, I believe, 42nd, but I was satisfied. I thought you really have to do something. It is difficult, but they are not unbeatable.

You said that up to now Osrblie in 2003 were your most beautiful races. Has this changed after the last season?
In Osrblie I have won for the first time the sprint and the pursuit. But the last year I was also very good in Pokljuka … to win a pursuit is always beautiful !

How do you see the changes in biathlon, like the show-races "Auf Schalke" for example?
"Auf Schalke" it's different. It is more exciting, there are many people there and it's a special atmosphere. One is more nervous, similar to Oberhof. But there, they are all around you, so it's much more difficult. But it's funny !

Do you have an idol ?
There are many persons whom I like and admire, but I could not name a special person.

Was your overall world cup victory much better or rather a comfort for the World Championships, that weren't so great ?
Much better! Next year there also World Championships. This is better than a title because you win it in a single race and for the world cup you must be very well throughout the whole season.

Has something changed after the victory?
No.

You belong to the fastest skiers in biathlon. Could you imagine to participate like Lars Berger or Ole Einar Bjoerndalen in a cross-country race ?
I do not know this. I don't know whether I'm good enough as a biathlete because the cross-country skiers are very strong. Perhaps !

Interview made by Anne Gassner & Karolin Hemp in January 2006