RUHPOLDING, Germany – The Slovakian women’s biathlon team put on an remarkable display at the 5th round of the world Cup in Ruhpolding, clinching 7th place in the 4×6 km relay on Saturday. The team, composed of Ema Kapustová, Paulína Bátovská-Fialková, Anastasia Kuzminová, and Mária Remeňová, demonstrated remarkable grit and precision, finishing just 1 minute and 42.7 seconds behind the winning German squad. Norway and France secured second and third places, trailing by 17.4 and 25.8 seconds, respectively.
Kapustová, who kicked off the relay for Slovakia, laid a strong foundation despite a cautious start. She kept the team within reach, passing the baton in 11th place, 26.3 seconds behind the leaders. Reflecting on her performance, Kapustová said, My goal was to pass to Paula with as little loss as possible. I knew that even with Nastya, they could pull off a lot on the run. my shooting time was slow, I was like in a trance, but the times were fast, and the items came out, which I’m happy about.
Bátovská-Fialková took the reins next, pushing the team into fourth place at one stage before ultimately handing over in sixth, 35.7 seconds behind Finland. She expressed pride in the team’s effort, stating, We did a great relay, I’m very happy. Ema and Majka pulled it off with excellent shooting, Nastya and I tried our best running.It turned out to be a solid result, which makes us happy.
kuzminová, the third leg, showcased her speed and accuracy, advancing the team to sixth place with a 40.9-second deficit. She reflected on her performance,saying,We managed the relay very well. It’s a shame for a few shots, but the overall result is perfect. Emka started it brilliantly, I fought as hard as I could. I was happy with a beautiful zero lie, though a small hesitation cost me a few seconds on the handstand.
Remeňová, the anchor, faced intense pressure during the final shooting but held her composure. Despite losing one position to Austria, she secured the team’s seventh-place finish. Remeňová shared, Before the race, I was under a lot of stress, but I tried to calm down. It’s been a long time since we’ve been this high. Before handing over, I knew we were around 5th to 9th place. I had to be precise at the shooting range and drive out to see someone, which I succeeded in doing. On the stand, I tried not to get distracted by Hauser’s rhythm, but unluckily, it was not in my power to overtake her at the end.
The Slovak team’s performance in ruhpolding underscores their rising potential in the biathlon world. Combining sharp shooting with relentless running, they proved they can hold their own against the sport’s elite. Fans and analysts will undoubtedly keep a close eye on their progress as they navigate the World Cup circuit.
VIDEO: Highlights of the women’s relay in Ruhpolding
Slovakia’s Biathlon Resurgence: A New Era of talent and Teamwork
By Sports Desk
RUHPOLDING, Germany – The Slovakian women’s biathlon team has been turning heads this season, with their recent 7th-place finish in the 4×6 km relay at the World Cup in Ruhpolding marking a significant milestone. We caught up with Paulína Bátovská-Fialková, a key figure in the team, to discuss their journey, challenges, and the future of slovak biathlon.
Paulína Bátovská-Fialková on Slovakia’s Rising momentum
Archyde: Paulína, congratulations on your team’s impressive performance in Ruhpolding. How does it feel to see Slovakia competing at such a high level again?
Paulína Bátovská-Fialková: “Thank you! It’s an incredible feeling. We’ve been working hard as a team, and to see that effort pay off on the World Cup stage is very rewarding. Ruhpolding was a special moment for us—it’s a historic venue, and the fans were amazing. We knew we had to deliver, and I’m proud of how we performed.”
The youthful Energy of Slovakia’s Biathlon Team
Archyde: The Slovakian team is one of the youngest in the World Cup circuit. How does this shape your dynamic?
Paulína: “Being a young team is both a challenge and an advantage. We’re still learning, but we’re also fearless. There’s no pressure of expectations, which allows us to race with confidence. ema [Kapustová] and the others bring so much energy and determination to the team. We’re building something special here.”
Anastasia Kuzmina’s Legacy and Its Influence
Archyde: Slovakia’s biathlon legacy has been defined by athletes like Anastasia Kuzmina. How has her success influenced your career and the current team?
Paulína: “Anastasia is a legend, and she set the bar incredibly high for Slovak biathlon. Watching her compete was inspiring, and she showed us what’s possible. But we’re also aware that we need to carve our own path. Our team is very different—we’re younger, and we’re still finding our identity. Anastasia’s success gives us confidence, but we’re focused on creating our own story.”
The Fialková Sisters and the Next Generation
Archyde: the fialková sisters—yourself and Ivona—have been pillars of the Slovak team for years. How does it feel to see the next generation stepping up?
Paulína: “It’s been incredible to witness. Ivona and I have been through so much together, and now to see younger athletes like Ema stepping up is really exciting. It’s a reminder that Slovak biathlon has a bright future. We’re all learning from each other, and that’s what makes this journey so special.”
Looking Ahead: Slovakia’s Biathlon Future
As the Slovakian biathlon team continues to grow, their youthful energy and determination are setting the stage for a promising future. With a mix of experienced athletes like the Fialková sisters and emerging talents like Ema Kapustová, the team is poised to make even greater strides on the international stage. Their recent success in Ruhpolding is just the beginning of what could be a new golden era for Slovak biathlon.
Stay tuned as this dynamic team continues to chase their dreams and inspire the next generation of biathlon enthusiasts.
Slovak Women’s Biathlon Team Shines in Ruhpolding World Cup Relay
In a thrilling display of precision and teamwork, the Slovak women’s biathlon team claimed an impressive seventh-place finish in the Women’s 4×6 km relay at the Biathlon World Cup in Ruhpolding. The team, consisting of Ema Kapustová, Paulína Bátovská-Fialková, Anastasia Kuzminová, and Mária Remeňová, demonstrated remarkable skill, requiring only five reloads throughout the race. Their performance not only highlighted their technical prowess but also solidified their position as a formidable contender in the world of biathlon.
A Team Effort to Remember
The Slovak quartet showcased their ability to compete at the highest level, navigating the challenging course with focus and determination. Each athlete brought her unique strengths to the relay, creating a seamless synergy that propelled them into the top ten.Their success in Ruhpolding is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and also their ability to thrive under pressure.
Looking Ahead: Goals for the Season
When asked about the team’s plans for the remainder of the season, Paulína Bátovská-Fialková shared their approach: “We’re taking it one race at a time. Our goal is to continue improving and to be consistent. We’ve shown that we can compete with the best, and now we want to keep building on that.” With the world Championships on the horizon,the team is laser-focused on making Slovakia proud. “The World Championships are coming up, and that’s a big focus for us,” Paulína added.
A Message to the Fans
The team’s journey has been fueled by the unwavering support of their fans. paulína expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you for believing in us. Your support means everything, especially when the challenges feel overwhelming. We’re here because of you, and we’ll keep fighting for Slovakia.This is just the beginning.” Her words reflect the deep connection between the athletes and their supporters, a bond that continues to inspire the team to push their limits.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Paulína Bátovská-Fialková and her teammates are more than just athletes; they are role models for aspiring biathletes in Slovakia and beyond. Their journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through perseverance, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As they continue to break barriers in their sport, their story serves as an inspiration to all who follow their progress.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Slovak women’s biathlon team continues their journey through the season, aiming for even greater heights on the world stage.
