Here we are, at the end of a special season in so many ways. My first full year in the world cup has offered ups and downs and a high learning curve. I have visited new and nice biathlon stadiums and got to know great people. 33 corona tests and a whole winter in quarantine have left their mark, and now I look forward to finishing my last entry quarantine and finally meeting friends and family again.
A short summary of the season:
It started a bit slow for me in Finland. I was not quite in the shape I had hoped to be, and a strict corona protocol probably left its mark mentally. Got a better grip on the shooting in Hochfilzen before Christmas and managed to qualify for my first pursuit in the world cup. That gave great motivation for the holiday training. After Christmas we went to Oberhof, where, again, covid 19 tried to cripple the team with some positive cases and a lot of uncertainty because of it. Fortunately, us athletes managed to stay healthy. But my physical shape was not at its best here either. Had a good experience in Anterselva before I went to my precamp in Obertilliach. Here I made a solid and important effort during my last preparations for both the World Championships and the rest of the season.
The World Championships were a big highlight for me. Finally I was getting in shape and managed at the same time to turn up my shooting another notch. Taking my first World Cup points was absolutely insanely delicious. And totally whet my appetite..
The last trimester was much better than I anticipated. Beforehand, I had hoped to qualify for at least one pursuit, but I hit the jackpot and ended up with all three pursuits. And more World Cup points! I have stabilized my results in the top 50, and have been so incredibly close to taking several more World Cup points many times. Florent and I also achieved an astonishingly good single mix relay and captured the ninth place, which is the best result for Belgium ever! I can also finish the season with a hit rate of 90 %, which is at the top among the women in the World Cup.
I am also very grateful to have been allowed to participate in this World Cup circus and that the IBU has managed to create such a safe framework around these events.
Now I am extremely motivated and have found a lot of elements to improve by next season.

But first some vacation and quality time at home after being on the road for almost 4 months in a row!