The Ukrainian sisters who escaped the war, Julia and Olena Horodna, are grateful for the help and support they have received. The duo will compete in the Biathlon World Cup for the first time on Friday.
Ukrainian sisters Julia and Olena Horodna will compete in the Otepää World Biathlon World Cup this weekend in Estonia. Julia, 20, and Olena, 17, fled from war Ukraine to Poland just over a week ago.
– The last two weeks have been really difficult for us, both mentally and physically. We have been constantly moving from place to place, Olena Horodna said in an interview with the International Biathlon Association (IBU).
Julia Horodna said that the sisters have been in contact with their relatives in Ukraine every day. According to Julian, their parents talked about the opportunity to participate in the World Cup even before they had heard of it.
– This opportunity was quite unexpected for us, Julia Horodna said.
Community support is very important
The biathlon community has shown its support for Ukraine last weekend at the Kontiolahti World Cup, among other things. The sisters said they did not expect such a warm welcome from other biathletes when they arrived in Estonia. The Horodnas have received help, above all, from the Czech and Estonian teams.
Community support has been very important to both of them.
– It is very important that many people and all countries see what is happening in Ukraine at the moment. People understand and express their support, it is very important for the whole of Ukraine and for all Ukrainians, Julia said.
– We hope that our performances will give faith and strength to those in Ukraine. That we will endure this difficult time together and show that we are a strong people, Olena continued.
Olena will compete after Otepää in Vuokatti
The Otepää sprint race is the first World Cup race for the sisters, and the World Cup has been one of their dreams. According to Julian, it is important for them to succeed well and gain experience for the future.
– Of course, this is our dream, because every athlete wants to get better and get higher, and now we have the opportunity to see how we are doing among the best, Julia said.
After Otepää, Olena will compete next in Finland, as she will participate in the European Youth Winter Olympic Festival in Vuokatti. The sisters ’biggest goal is at the Olympics, but it’s only in the future. Right now, the sisters are only focusing on Friday’s start and are grateful for all the support they have received during this difficult time.
– We are grateful to all the coaches, relatives, athletes and people around us from whom we have received support, as well as from the fans who have believed in us. Thank you all very much. Everything will be fine, they assured.
Otepää’s World Cup can be watched live by . The women’s sprint will be raced on Friday at 15.25. The broadcasts will be broadcast live on TV2. On Saturday in Otepää it will be the men’s combined start at 13.55 and the women’s joint start at 16.10. The competitions can be seen live at Areena. On Sunday, it will be a mixed message, which can be followed live at Areena at 13.25. In addition to the live broadcasts of the arena, biathlon is watched on Saturday and Sunday on TV2 and .