After his magnificent career that spanned over three Olympics, Martin Fourcade knows the medal aspirants going to Beijing 2022 as well as anyone. With that in mind, he passed on a few thoughts a couple of days before heading off to China - this time as an expert commentator for Discovery, “the Home of Olympics in Europe.”

The Olympic biathlon competitions will open with the Mixed Relay on Saturday, and many known unknowns related to the stadium, tracks, and weather will become more apparent. We know it can be freezing in Beijing, and the winds are powerful and unpredictable. There might also be sand in the snow, but that is of concern for waxing teams. There was no pre-Olympic test due to the pandemic. That is something that could have been difficult for me. I liked to know the Olympic venue in advance and prepare accordingly. In Pyeongchang, I succeeded despite windy conditions, which I never liked. But the experience from the World Cup competitions the year before helped me cope. Then I remember Emil Hegle Svendsen, who was not in Vancouver or Sochi or Pyeongchang the year before the Games and succeeded anyway. Every athlete has a different inner adaptation system. Some athletes merely do things naturally. They take them on as they come. 

To the favourites now: I am slightly surprised with the JT Boe's season developments. Last year, he opened the season well and then fought hard for the Total Score title. After a - at least for his very high standards - somehow weak opening in Oestersund, I was expecting his form to rise rapidly as the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games edged closer. But it hasn't happened. That doesn't diminish his chances in Beijing, as we all know that Johannes is a unique athlete. When you look at Ole Einar Bjoerndalen, he finished on top of the podium in only two BMW IBU World Cup competitions between Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014. Yet, he still won a gold medal in the sprint at the 2014 Games. Hitting a winning form will be much easier for Johannes. Johannes is the kind of champion that can turn his fortunes on a dime and under any conditions, even without the best preparation or total confidence. I am impressed with his achievements in the past, and I will not be the one who will say just because he had a difficult beginning of the season that he will not be ready for the Olympics. He is Johannes!

In France, we have big hopes and expectations for our team. Their performance in the first two Trimesters was very compelling. France has strong athletes, a good atmosphere, and a strong coaching team helping them reach the very top of biathlon. When I finished my career, I never thought a Frenchman would soon have a shot at winning the World Cup Total Score. Yet two years on, and Quentin is in a position to do it. I am super happy for him for the whole team. I am keeping my fingers crossed for France, and I hope they keep the same winning spirit in Beijing.

Who will be the challengers for France and Norway? If you look at the Olympics, the favourites are never as evident as it seems when you analyse just the World Cup. There are many competitive teams this year, perhaps more than ever before. After two difficult seasons, the German team looks very competitive again. The Swedish team is stronger than ever. Team ROC is also full of expectations. Most of their athletes did not compete at Pyeongchang, and they have a fresh perspective. It will be something special for them to be back in the Olympic Movement. Belarus is also powerful. If we talk about surprises, they really could be the team to watch.