Ukrainian biathlete Dmytro Pidruchnyi: "Constant threat of missile attacks and airstrikes

Dmytro Pidruchnyi's best was a fifth place in the sprint at the Biathlon World Championships.

A successful result, considering his upload.

When Russia invaded Ukraine a year ago, Pidruchnyi joined the military.

He served in his hometown of Ternopil, in western Ukraine.

- My mission was to protect the military base and the city from the first day of the war, he says to SVT Sport.

- The time in the military was very difficult.

It was completely different from a civilian life.

I had a completely different schedule, duties and responsibilities and there were constant threats of missile attacks and airstrikes.

Every day was different from the other.

It was very difficult to live in that rhythm.

Pidruchnyi was imprisoned for three months.

Then he resumed his biathlon training and was back at the World Cup when the season started last fall.

 - I cannot dedicate myself wholeheartedly to biathlon now, it is not possible for me.

"The IOC's statement is unacceptable"

Dmytro Pidruchnyi is of the opinion that no Russian or Belarusian participants should be allowed to compete until all troops are off Ukrainian soil, and the country has been financially compensated for the devastation.

- I cannot imagine that while Ukrainians are dying, Russians and Belarusians will compete in the civilized world.

The IOC's statement is unacceptable, says Pidruchnyi and highlights the support Swedish skaters have also given Ukraine in the matter.

 - We are very happy that Sebastian Samulesson, like other Swedish biathletes and cross-country skiers, publicly condemns the Russian aggressions and supports the suspension of Russian and Belarusian athletes.

It is an extremely important support for us which we appreciate.

Threatening boycott

If Russian and Belarusian skaters are allowed to compete before the end of the war, how would you feel about competing against them?

- Personally, but I think I can speak for the entire Ukrainian team, we will boycott all competitions where Russians and Belarusians participate.

However, I am not sure if I will ever want to compete in the same arena as Russians and Belarusians who supported the military invasion of Ukraine and the killing of civilians.