In a sport as demanding as biathlon — a mix of icy precision and relentless endurance — the strongest victories don’t always come with medals. Sometimes, they come in the form of a quiet coffee after a bad race, a shared laugh on a rainy training day, or a teammate’s hug when the weight of the season feels too much.

On this International Day of Friendship, the biathlon world reminds us that even under layers of snow and competition, the warmth of real connection runs deep.

The One who Sparks Friendships

Johanna Talihaerm knows that sometimes, the best friendships are built off the tracks. She highlights Kelsey Dickinson as one of the circuit’s true connectors: “She’s so friendly with many girls and always initiates coffee dates and hangouts!”

Their bond began in 2014 with a gear exchange at the Youth World Championships but deepened through years of training and NCAA competition. With so many years of friendship, the Estonian could have plenty of stories to tell about them, but with a smile she said: "Will keep the stories private, but Kelsey gives the best hugs, which made the covid years challenging. Thanks Kels!”

Besides this very friendship, Talihaerm knows the importance of friends in sport, especially in biathlon, where long stretches of time away from home are the norm. “Training together is so much more fun and hanging out during the season gets everyone out of the routine.”

The Support You Didn’t Know You Needed

For Vitalii Mandzyn, friendship in biathlon isn’t just a bonus — it’s survival. He feels so lucky to be unable to pinpoint just one person in his team as he gets along with the whole squad. “Our sport is mentally difficult and exhausting,” he admits. “Sometimes you just need to talk or walk with someone. Only true friends can help you return stronger.”

After a tough few days in Hochfilzen, it wasn’t results or analysis that pulled him through — it was the support from his teammates and the messages from his friends. Coming off a strong season’s start in Kontiolahti, Mandzyn struggled with his standing shooting, which bottled up to two penalty loops in the men’s relay. “(When that happened) I just wanted to close in myself and forget about everything Thanks to all the good people who supported me, I realized that it was just a small part of my story. So, I kept going and moved on.”

A Flock Called “Anteles”

In Lithuania’s women’s team, friendship has taken on a life of its own — and a name. “Our women’s team is jokingly called Anteles, which literally translates as a team of ducks,” says Natalia Kocergina with a smile. The nickname comes from their coach’s oversized yellow galoshes, which look like duck feet from afar, but the closeness behind it is anything but silly.

Their group — Sara Urumova, Judita Traubaite, Natalia Kocergina, Lidiia Zhurauskaite, and Viktorija Augulyte — is more than a team. “Although we are all different in age and character, we always support each other in difficult situations, try to help, find a way out in a difficult moment and always do not despair if something does not work out. We celebrate birthdays, go on holidays together and this makes us even closer. We’ve become like a small sports family.” It’s a reminder that chasing Olympic dreams is sweeter when done together.

“We even got some bibs for the team during trainings!”

From Roommates to Soulmates on Skis

For Bulgarian athlete Lora Hristova, friendship began the moment she joined the national ‘A’ team. “We became very close almost immediately after we became roommates,” she says of her bond with Mariya Zdravkova. Their connection, forged through years of training and competition, goes far beyond the rifle range. “Sport teaches us trust, support, and shared effort… The friendships we build are not just for the moment – they last beyond the track.”

Their story is one many athletes in the biathlon world know well — an unexpected pairing that turns into a lifelong support system.

“When we train and compete together, we experience the same challenges and victories, and this connects us in a special way. We know we can rely on one another.”

Beyond Borders, Beyond Results

In the world of biathlon, athletes may compete under different flags — but the bonds they build cross every border. These friendships offer more than comfort; they shape resilience, joy, and a sense of belonging.

Whether it’s a duck-themed nickname, a well-timed hug, or a roommate who becomes a best friend, the biathlon family continues to show that behind every great athlete, there’s often a greater friend.

Happy International Day of Friendship— from our shooting range to yours.

Photo header: Manzoni - Nordic Focus

Other photos: courtesy of the athletes + Manzoni