It was when the war in Ukraine broke out that Dmytro Pidruchyny, who won WC gold in 2019, was called up for military service to defend his homeland. Since then, he has not been allowed to participate in international biathlon competitions. But now he has received leave from the Ukrainian military, and thus there was actually a hope that he could participate in Blinkfestivalen. – It is not the case that there is a ban on visiting the Blink Festival itself. But Blink is a commercial competition, and he is not involved in the preparations for the Ukrainian national team, explains Pidruchnyj. PROFILE: Dmytro Pidruchnyj was one of Johannes Thingnes Bø’s competitors. Photo: HANNAH MCKAY / Reuters Come with encouragement to the IBU He further says that they tried to get to Sandnes through an application to the Ministry of Defense in Ukraine. It should still have been sent too late, and there will therefore be no competitions for Ukrainian athletes this time. – Of course, it does not feel good when you are not allowed to travel to the competition. But there is a war in our country, and we fully understand the situation. And we understand that everyone is doing everything they can to win the war, says the Ukrainian biathlon star Pidruchyny. IN THE DEFENSE: Pidruchnyj had to take part in the Ukrainian defense from March. Photo: Dmytro Pidruchnyj / Instagram Furthermore, defending Ukraine is a priority for the former world champion. – I think that every Ukrainian is ready to fight where there is a need, if we get that order from the leadership, says Pidruchnyj. But he is not a soldier right now. He served in the Ukrainian National Guard for three months. Now he takes part in meetings and training sessions with the national team, something he has been doing since 5 June. At the same time, he also comes with an encouragement to the International Biathlon Union (IBU), in addition to opening up about the hatred towards Russia and Belarus. – The whole country hates them, and we hate everything that can be linked to them. Honestly, we hope we won’t get to see them at the nearest competitions. We hope that the IBU will support a ban on competition for Russia and Belarus in the winter season if Russia continues to shoot at Ukraine from Belarusian territory and kill Ukrainians in their own country, says Pidruchnyj. Several Olympics and world championships behind him He further says that he is ready to do anything for the defense in Ukraine. – I think that every Ukrainian should be ready to fight where there is a need, if we get that order from the leadership, says the biathlete and continues: – That also applies to me. From the first day I followed the orders from the leadership in the Ukrainian National Guard. So did other athletes who served together with me. Those who had more experience were given more difficult tasks. I believe that, if necessary, everyone is ready to protect our country to the very end. Pidruchny has participated in the Olympics in 2014 and 2018, but never won a medal in the Games. It was nevertheless in Östersund in 2019, where he won gold in the men’s pursuit start. Johannes Thingnes Bø thinks the situation is sad, and that it is a reminder that there is still war in Ukraine. – That only describes the situation, that there is still war in Ukraine and states of emergency. It is somewhat easy to get it at a distance after a given time, but this is probably a reminder that there is still noise there. I really know him, and of course everyone else in Ukraine, he says to news. WON GOLD: There was WC gold in Östersund. Photo: TT NEWS AGENCY / Reuters The Ukrainians struggle to get training, because they have been in the war. In addition, one athlete will have his house occupied by Russian soldiers. – I just think how lucky we are, who live in this country. And then, in a way, it would be nice if you could come here too, so we could show them a little love, and gather them a little into the competition setting, where they belong and can get their thoughts on something else, says Tarjei Bø. – But there are exceptional circumstances and then everyone must go to the pumps. One can in a way understand that, he says.
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Dmytro Pidruchny wanted to go to Norway – asked the military too late – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
