The biathlon star must constantly defend herself in a rather incredible controversy, nine months before the Olympics.

Italy’s biathlon star Dorothea Wierer decided last summer that she would continue her career through the 2026 Olympics on home soil. After more than ten years at the top level, she confirmed that the 2026 Olympics is her goal. But the decision did not come easily.

In an interview with the Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, the 35-year-old now speaks about a rather unbelievable controversy: that she is constantly accused of not being Italian!

Historical Reasons

A small part of northern Italy, South Tyrol, has had German as its first language since time immemorial. In this part of Italy, the population speaks German. Economically, tourism supports South Tyrol, where both winter and summer sports are strong.

But the mentality is completely different from other parts of Italy, such as Rome, Milan, and Naples. In the interview, Wierer says that many in Italy don’t consider people from South Tyrol to be Italian.

“I’ve just accepted it. People are used to saying such things, so they do. Of course, it’s hurtful, but I have a noticeable accent when I speak Italian. I wish I could speak a little more softly, but that’s not natural for me. So that would also be wrong, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable with it,” she told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Feels Hurt

Wierer says that the repeated incidents affect her, especially because they are based on things she has no control over.

“It hurts me when people say that (that I’m not Italian). But when I try to explain it, they understand. They realize that the historical circumstances are what they are, and that can’t be changed,” she says.

“But I also think it’s one of the beautiful things about Italy: many regions have their own culture, their own way of speaking, and their own dialects.”

Also Read: Italian biathlon teams for season 2025/2026

Nine Months to the Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Italy from February 4 to 22.  

The Olympic biathlon events will take place at the famous stadium in Antholz-Anterselva, which has been upgraded for the Olympics at a cost of several million euros. It is also Dorothea Wierer’s home venue.

Are you interested in biathlon? Click HERE and read more about it.

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