The Republic of Moldova will have a maximum of 4 biathletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics
The senior national team of the Republic of Moldova underperformed during this biathlon competition season. Our athletes faced significant challenges throughout the winter, frequently dealing with illnesses, which adversely affected their ability to meet their primary objectives.
The senior national team of the Republic of Moldova has not met expectations during this biathlon competition season. Our athletes have faced challenges, including frequent illnesses that negatively impacted their performance and ability to achieve key objectives.
"This season has not been successful for me; I would even describe it as a fiasco. I was sick for a long time, starting in December. I experienced breathing problems and struggled with coughing for two months. There were many instances where I had to start races and dealt with hypoxia. As the season concludes, I want to enjoy the competition fully while recovering from my illness and aim for the best possible results. By summer, I need to restore my health to prepare adequately for the Olympics," said biathlete Alina Stremous.
Among the Moldovan athletes, Alina Stremous achieved the best result in the World Cup, finishing 15th in the 7.5-kilometer sprint race during the inaugural stage in Finland. Our biathletes also performed well in the mixed relay events, with Alina Stremous and Maxim Makarov finishing in the top 15 at the World Cup stages in Kontiolahti and Oberhof, as well as at the World Championship in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.
"The biathlon season is coming to an end, and all the most important competitions have concluded. In the final stages, we will strive to maintain the same number of athletes competing in the World Cup. This season has been long and difficult; we faced illnesses and struggled through them. It has been a real challenge. With the Olympics approaching next season, we hope to have the same number of athletes as we did at the previous Olympics," said biathlete Maxim Makarov.
Based on their performances this season, the Republic of Moldova can send a maximum of four biathletes to next year's Olympics in Italy.
"At the first stage of the World Cup, a virus affected our team. Everyone was absent except for Alina Stremous, who performed well in the initial stages. In the third stage, I believe it was a mistake—for both myself and the coaches—to allow her to compete in France. She is only just starting to recover from the illness that sidelined her for about two months. This flu was critical for everyone, especially for us, as we did not meet our goals. To qualify for the Olympics next year, we need to be in the top 20 of the nation's rankings, which is no longer possible. Consequently, we can expect a maximum of two male and two female athletes at the Olympic Games in Italy," said Petru Bria, Secretary General of the Moldovan Biathlon Federation.
Moldovan biathletes will compete this week at the World Cup stage in the Slovenian resort of Pokljuka, and next week they will participate in the final stage of the season in Oslo, Norway.
