site.btaBiathlete Anton Sinapov Not Satisfied with His Performance

Bulgarian biathlete Anton Sinapov said he was disappointed with his performance and result in the 10km sprint at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on Friday. The 32-year-old finished 82nd after missing his last three shots in the standing position and did not qualify for Saturday's pursuit, which is limited to the top 60 athletes.

"Today was certainly not my day. Of course I am not happy," Sinapov said after the race. "I said in the last few days that I had many health issues this season and was often ill. Before the individual race, I thought it would not affect my skiing form too much, but competing is very different from training."

He added: "This is a once-every-four-years competition, and things do not always go as planned. We trained a lot last summer. I am disappointed that it turned out this way today, as it did in the individual race, and that I was not at 100%. I am very happy, however, that at least biathlete Lora Hristova delighted everyone with her medal. For some, that medal raised expectations; for me, it had no effect, but the course was very tough, as shown by the last three shots I missed. I also struggled with the skis. Many factors combined, and I could not shoot perfectly.”

Competing in his third Olympic Games, Sinapov is hopeful for a stronger showing in the 4x7.5-kilometre relay on February 17. "For the relay, I hope the shorter distance will help. I will try to rest as much as possible. We are preparing and hope to be at 100%. We remain optimistic and will fight until the end," he said.