Interview with the Gasparin sisters

Selina Gasparin was the first Swiss biathlete to achieve historic victories in the Biathlon World Cup and at the Winter Olympics. Together with her two sisters Elisa and Aita, the mother of two is part of the Gasparin Sisters. The trio is the backbone of the Swiss women's biathlon. What fascinates you about biathlon?

Biathlon combines total exertion on skis with calm precision work at the shooting range. Reconciling these two poles is the challenge in biathlon. The sport is also exciting because it remains open until the very end who will win. You three sisters are part of the Swiss Ski squad. Is that helpful or sometimes difficult?

It is very helpful. We train a lot and are away from home a lot. Then it's nice to stay in the family environment. We support each other to achieve our goals and make progress. We support each other. With successes and also when things don't work out. What made you decide to dedicate yourself fully to this sport?

Selina: I'm living my childhood dream and I'm proud to be the first Swiss biathlon Olympian, the first Swiss biathlon World Cup winner and the winner of the first Swiss biathlon Olympic medal. Elisa: I rather slipped into the sport. That's what sparked my passion. Aita: My sister Selina, who is ten years older, was and is a role model for me. Sometimes I wonder whether we were born with skis - but it's just that our parents brought us up to be polysporty. I've been chasing after my two sisters Selina and Elisa since I was a small child. Biathlon has become a cult winter sport in Switzerland.

There is a lot of passion and pioneering work behind it. We dream of children writing biathletes in their friendship books under their favorite profession. Your successes have contributed a great deal to publicizing the biathlon. Are you proud of that?

We are glad that people no longer think that biathlon is just cycling and walking. Of course we are proud of it. We are also proud of the fact that we have made biathlon history individually and together. For example, as sisters we were the first Swiss women's relay team in the World Cup ten years ago. What are your most important qualities that help you to be successful?

Biathletes need a good dose of ambition, discipline, passion and patience. We have to combine technique, strength, endurance and speed on the circuit with calmness in the shooting range. This requires physical and mental strength. Fortunately, we often manage to master this tension. Biathlon plays a central role in your life. How do you reconcile training, work and family life?

Selina: I would need at least six hands, but even with two I often pack a 30-hour program into a 24-hour day. It helps enormously that my sport is also my family and my family is sport. In addition, all three of us sisters have sport-compatible jobs at the Federal Customs Administration. This professional activity allows us to train intensively. What advice would you give to women who want to achieve top sporting performance?

Let your passion lead the way. Have faith in yourself.