In a recent meeting in Dresden, Lisa Vittozzi and Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold reflected for Biathlon World on their friendship and the intense battle for the Total Score title last season. Tandrevold led for five out of nine weeks with the yellow bib but eventually fell to Vittozzi in the finals in Canmore. Despite the competition, their friendship and mutual respect were never in question.
For Vittozzi, the triumph was more than just a sporting victory; it was a testament to her character and determination. She recalled the emotional struggles she faced after losing the Total Score title to Dorothea Wierer in the 2018/2019 season. “I’m proud of myself for how I came back, for how I overcame my anxieties, fears, and depression. What I accomplished last winter started long before. Now I’m a better person and athlete,” Lisa remarked.
Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold.
Tandrevold, on the other hand, highlighted the intensity of the competition. “It was the best season of my career. I didn’t have time to appreciate what I had done until later, but when I did, I realized I had many good races and came close to winning the Total Score,” she reflected. Ingrid also mentioned how unpredictable biathlon can be, where one day you think you’ve cracked the code, and the next, everything is a challenge again.
Both athletes also discussed the challenges they faced along the way. Tandrevold spoke about how the weight of pressure can be overwhelming. “Now I can relate to the pain Lisa felt five years ago. You learn much more from a painful experience than from a good one. I hope I’ll be better prepared if I get another chance to win the title,” Ingrid confessed, adding that getting to that position requires not only skill but also a bit of luck.
“The only thing I can say is: live in the present”
Lisa Vittozzi.
When Vittozzi was asked if she had any advice for Ingrid, her response was clear: “I don’t like giving advice, especially cliché phrases. The only thing I can say is: live in the present.” For Lisa, staying focused on the present was key during the final races in Canmore, and she explained that despite the doubts, she was able to remain calm and confident.
Finally, both athletes talked about the balance between friendship and competition. Vittozzi emphasized how special it is to maintain a friendship with someone who is also a direct rival. “I think sport is beautiful for this reason: you create strong bonds despite competing for the same goals.” Tandrevold, for her part, mentioned that she never wishes others to fail, but instead strives to be the best version of herself every day.
