Fourteen months ago, Paula Botet was on top of the world, shooting clean, winning the Oberhof Sprint, but last November, she was disappointed and struggling after not making the World Cup team and was back on the IBU Cup circuit. Four months later, it’s all smiles. The 25-year-old just won the IBU Cup Total Score, and for good measure added the Sprint and Pursuit Score Globes to her baggage for the return trip to France from the IBU Cup Finals in Lake Placid, USA.

Botet may not have had the season she expected back in the summer, but with six IBU Cup wins this season and three shiny trophies, things are looking up for the budding French star. After sealing the Total Score Crystal Globe, she answered our five burning questions and one about her two plus weeks in the USA.

Biathlonworld: What was it like wearing the IBU Cup Green Bib for most of the season with your teammates chasing you in almost every competition?

Paula Botet: The first race I did with in Obertilliach didn’t go well, so I was quite disappointed at the beginning. Later, when I got the Green Bib back in Ridnaun, I was really excited to race with it again and to finally deliver a strong performance while wearing it. Then, when we arrived in Arber, I didn’t expect to recover it so quickly, so I was very happy about that. Luckily, I scored a lot of points up until the week in Osrblie, because after that the rest of the season was more complicated for me.

Being part of this team is very motivating, even if sometimes it’s challenging to have such strong depth within the squad. We constantly push each other to be better, and I think that’s what makes the strength of France so impressive in biathlon right now. This internal competition and shared ambition are definitely one of the reasons behind my victory in the Overall ranking.

BW: Before the first IBU Cup in Obertilliach, what were your goals for the season?

PB: My main goal was to rediscover my passion for biathlon. I had been really disappointed and affected by the World Cup selection races in France, which had not gone well for me. At the start of the season, I just wanted to enjoy practicing my sport again and to find back the happiness of competing in biathlon.

BW: Is winning the Total Score AND the Sprint and Pursuit Scores beyond your expectations?

PB: I’m especially happy about the Pursuit Globe because it really shows the progress I made this winter in the four-shoot races, which had often gone wrong for me last season. It’s very rewarding to see that improvement reflected in the results. As for the Sprint, it’s truly my favorite race format. This is already my third small Sprint Globe, so I’m really proud and happy about that.

And of course, winning the Overall Total Score is a great satisfaction. I learned to keep fighting for points until the very end, even when the end of the season became more difficult.

BW: You are now following in Camille, Oceane and Lou’s footsteps, winning the Total Score, it the next goal to join them full-time in the World Cup?

PB: Of course, that was already the goal this winter. That’s also why I was so affected after the selection races in November. I really wanted to earn my place. Then I had the opportunity to race in the World Cup in Le Grand-Bornand. I was hoping for much better results there, but my desire to do well maybe turned into something negative. I put a lot of pressure on myself, and instead of helping me, it held me back.

BW: What was the biggest lesson you learned this season?

PB: I put a lot of heart into this preparation (maybe even too much) and in the end it didn’t go as I had hoped. I think that’s the biggest lesson of this winter, learning to let go a little, not trying to control everything, and trusting the process more.

Biathlonworld Bonus: What surprised you the most and what was your favorite part of this long trip to Lake Placid and the USA?

PB: I would have loved to enjoy the city much more, but I was very tired and honestly spent a lot of time sleeping and recovering. It was a long trip and the season had already been demanding. But with the team, we’re planning to go and watch a hockey game on Saturday night, which I’m really looking forward to! It will be a great opportunity to experience something different and enjoy a bit more of the American atmosphere in Lake Placid.

Lessons learned, disappointments overcome, and multiple trips to the top of the podium should be just the motivation Paula Botet needs as this season ends and she looks towards 2026/27.

Photos: IBU/Vanzetta, Harald Deubert, Nordic Focus