Queens of biathlon in Raubichi: Darya Domracheva and Nadezhda Skardino wave goodbye to big sport

Touching words from fans during an autograph session, amazing support from the stands during the Legends Race and sincere good wishes for the new life after sport... A ceremony to pay homage to Olympic champions Darya Domracheva and Nadezhda Skardino was held in Raubichi on 18 February. These incredible girls have completed the professional career, but, of course, will go down in history of biathlon.

Darya Domracheva and Nadezhda Skardino put Belarus on the world map of biathlon. As part of the national team, they made the first steps to success at the 2005 IBU Junior World Championships and then were moving towards the Olympic goal relentlessly and tirelessly. The 2014 Winter Olympic Games became a big moment for the both. In Sochi Darya won three gold medals and Nadezhda captured the bronze medal in the Individual.

The Olympic Games in Pyeongchang 2018 brought them both frustration and happiness. Darya Domracheva graced the podium twice, taking the Women Mass Start silver and, then, winning Women 4x6km Relay gold together with Nadezhda Skardino, Iryna Kryuko and Dzinara Alimbekava. Darya Domracheva became the first four-time Olympic champion in the history of biathlon, while Nadezhda Skardino won the “title” of the best shooting female biathlete.

In June 2018 Darya Domracheva and Nadezhda Skardino announced their retirement from sport. Following the Legends Race, which kicked off the 2019 IBU Open European Championships in Raubichi, the two biathletes waved goodbye to biathlon and Belarusian fans. The two athletes shared their emotions and thanked their fans for support which helped them overcome difficulties and inspired them before every competition.