Biathlon: Lisa Vittozzi opens up about a difficult year: “Totally unmotivated”

Italian biathlon star Lisa Vittozzi has spoken candidly about the struggles that kept her out for the entire previous season. Plagued by significant back problems, she repeatedly had to pull out of competitions and, as she puts it, felt “totally unmotivated” because her body wasn’t functioning.

Vittozzi, who last competed on snow in the spring of 2024—the season in which she won the overall World Cup—returned to racing in Idre and finished fourth in her comeback. She said she had tried to push away the thoughts during a very tough period, and that the mental strain was heavy when she couldn’t do her job.

Although she still needs to handle the issues and adjust her training, Vittozzi explained that she worked very hard because she believed in her dream and did not want to be forced out of the sport. Now back on the start line, she says she is happy and reminded of how much she loves biathlon.

Looking ahead, she highlighted the significance of a home Olympics in February in Italy, calling it a once‑in‑a‑career opportunity and the most important goal of her season. In Idre, her fourth place came behind the Öberg sisters and Linn Gestblom, adding to the sense that she is moving in the right direction after her long absence.