Biathlon: No Olympic start: Gabriela Koukalova ends season prematurely

Czech biathlon star Gabriela Koukalova (28) refrains from participating in the Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang/South Korea (9. till 25. February) and ends its season prematurely. This was announced by the Czech Biathlon Association (Cesky Biathlon) on Friday on the fringes of the World Cup in Ruhpolding.

“Their current state of health does not permit targeted preparation, the problems persist. That’s why we agreed to end the season,”said association president Jiri Hamza. Koukalova has been working for months on problems with the Achilles tendons and calf muscles. She will now focus on her recovery, Hamza said.

Koukalova explained:”I have tried everything to come back. Unfortunately, I couldn’t train as I had hoped. I am very disappointed with the situation because the Olympic Games are the ultimate for every athlete.”

Koukalova, who won the overall World Cup two years ago, won the title in the 2017 World Championships in Hochfilzen ahead of Laura Dahlmeier in the sprint. In all the other five competitions, the Partenkirchen woman, who is still looking for her top form after two colds herself, triumphed.