MINSK, 20 February (BelTA) – A bronze medal of the 2019 IBU Open European Championships in Raubichi is a good result after my illness, Belarusian biathlete Iryna Kryuko told the media after Women 15K Individual event on 20 February, BelTA has learned.
Journalists congratulated the Belarusian on the medal and asked her about the health.
“Before the start of the championships, my coaches and I considered skipping the individual race after the illness. However, the training was focused on the IBU Open European Championships. I missed the North American World Cups, so we decided to compete. I am very glad that I have made it to the podium after being sick,” said Iryna Kryuko.
The bronze medalist added that she did pretty well in shooting despite such nasty weather. “I resumed training on 15 February as soon as I felt better. We did not expect to place so high in the standings. I had no thoughts of failures at the start. I did my best to show what I am capable of,” the biathlete said.
Iryna Kryuko added that with Darya Domracheva and Nadezhda Skardino retiring from biathlon it is still quite difficult for her to feel a new leader of the team.
The 2019 IBU Open European Championships kicked off with the individual races. The Men 20K Individual gold went to Krasimir Anev of Bulgaria. Hana Oeberg of Sweden clinched the Women 15K Individual gold.