Olle Dahlin: IBU is glad to see the development and results of Moldovan Biathlon Federation

The President of the International Biathlon Union (IBU) Swedish Olle Dahlin was re-elected for a new term in the elections of the head of the organization, which took place in mid-September in Salzburg (Austria) at the Ordinary Congress. The decision of the executive committee to re-elect Dahlin was unanimous. Speaking at the Congress, Dahlin stated that the main goal is to increase the biathlon family, and we asked him what way this was going to be implemented. Mr. Dahlin also shared his impressions of the progress of the Biathlon Federation of Moldova and our athletes in the past season.

The 15th Congress re-elected you as the President of the IBU, what areas do you consider to be priority?

Undoubtedly, the biathlon development worldwide along with increasing the IBU incomes. Also we will continue to support our National Federations, organizing committees and biathletes. This includes both financial and educational assistance.

Let me remind you, that throughout 2019 we created our strategic plan for upcoming two Olympic periods. I can say, that we are more or less in the middle of this plan implementation after the first Olympic cycle, and we have to put even more energy into this process.

Last year, during the meeting of the presidents we also defined overall objectives for 2030 and set three our priorities:

- to double the number of biathletes in the world;

- to double revenues for IBU;

- to reduce our carbon footprint by 50% and neutralize the impact on the climate

These are our strategic directions.

You have repeatedly stated the need to increase the biathlon family. How to put it into practice?

I think, we need to develop biathlon from the «bottoms to grass root» level and make biathlon easier to begin: with less of license or without a license at all.

In addition, to increase the summer biathlon competitions, because most of the recruitment is carried out during the summer period and what is more many nations have challenges with winter biathlon competitions. Therefore, these two things contribute to development of summer biathlon importance still further.

And, definitely, we have to work with a popularity of our events and to increase the fan base, which also indirectly will have the recruitment in our sport.

The Biathlon Federation of the Republic of Moldova belongs to the small national federations (NF). Are there any programs within the IBU that will contribute to its growth?

IBU has a setup for development of different specific projects. We also have comprehensive educational programs for biathletes and coaches – that is for all IBU nations. The Biathlon Federations can submit applications to IBU for realization any of these programs in their countries.

It is very important for us to have the driving force inside National Federations, focused on development and results. Then IBU will support this movement.

Did the Biathlon Federation of the Republic of Moldova request from IBU about biathlon infrastructure development projects? Could the IBU contribute to?

During the Congress in Salzburg we had a meeting with The President of The Biathlon Federation of Moldova Dmitri Torner. He informed IBU about plans to build the stadium for summer biathlon. We are very happy to hear about this initiative and really hope, that this project will take place

Is IBU planning to participate in this project or, perhaps, in other infrastructure development projects in Moldova?

What we normally do, when there is such an interesting project by National Federation – we provide our assistance with technical expertise concerning stadium building in the accordance with the IBU rules. Further, we are seeking for possibilities to support with some targets.

During the last season Moldovan biathletes became gold and silver medalists of the European Cup. How would you assess the progress of the Federation over that period?

IBU is very happy to see the development and results, which The Biathlon Federation of Moldova shows. That is one of the strategic areas for IBU - stronger national teams with good results on our podiums and in our competitions. We are glad to see this development of Moldovan Biathlon Federation.

In your opinion, what should the Biathlon Federation of the Republic of Moldova pay attention to in order to popularize biathlon in the republic?

It is always hard work counts to have a good start and to build the long-term interest in country.

I’m confident in the efficiency of work on the «grass root» level - to raise the biathlete from junior to senior, who can show the results. As well, it is very important to have a stability in the Federation for bringing sponsors and financial security to create conditions for qualitative coaching for the biathletes. Moreover, another thing that can do a lot for popularity in the country is biathlon broadcasting on the national TV, that I will really recommend.The significant point – to establish the dialog between the National TV of Moldova and European biathlon broadcasters. IBU is ready to facilitate this dialog.

Let us remind you that the President of the Biathlon Federation of Moldova Dmitri Torner also took part in the work of the Congress in Salzburg, where he personally met with Olle Dahlin and discussed the prospects for the development of biathlon in the republic.