Opinions & Interviews

Bjorndalen: Minsk is a fantastic tourist city

MINSK, 17 December (BelTA) – Eight-time Olympic champion, famous Norwegian biathlete Ole Einar Bjorndalen called Minsk a fantastic tourist city as he appeared on the Belarus 1 TV channel on 16 December, BelTA has learned.

“I know a little bit about Belarus, and very little about Minsk. However, Minsk knocks you off. It is absolutely not the way you thought it would be. Belarusian traditions and hospitality are amazing. Minsk is among the cleanest cities I have ever seen. You have good parks, good air. It is very good for a city of two million. I am saying it as an athlete,” Ole Einar Bjorndalen said.

At the same time, the Belarusian capital should revise the way it positions itself on the international arena. “I think Belarus and Minsk should advertise themselves in a better way. The advertisement should be really good because the country is underexposed,” the athlete said.

Speaking about his spouse Darya Domracheva, Ole Einar Bjorndalen noted: “Darya enjoys respect as an athlete. Norwegian journalists support her immensely.” In his words, Darya remains true to herself and does not try to produce any image. This is the reason why people like her.

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