Dorothea Wierer, the Italian biathlete who is retiring after competing in the Olympics, has opened up about the challenges she faces related to menstruation during competitions. As she prepares to conclude her career at the Olympics, she noted that her performance in individual events had not met her usual standards, particularly citing her struggles with shooting accuracy. Despite starting the competition with a silver medal in the mixed relay, her subsequent performances have raised eyebrows, particularly a 44th place finish in the sprint and an 11th place in the relay.

Wierer expressed her frustration over receiving criticism for her performances, revealing that many outside her sport do not understand the physical and emotional challenges she faces during her monthly cycle. She remarked on how the impact of menstruation can vary greatly from month to month, sometimes affecting performance to a significant degree. Her candid comments highlight the broader issue of menstruation in sports, an often-taboo topic that affects many female athletes yet is rarely discussed openly.

By describing menstruation as "the most natural thing in the world," Wierer draws attention to the need for greater understanding and accommodation for women in competitive sports. As she nears the end of her stellar career, her remarks serve as a reminder of the unique challenges female athletes face, urging more open and supportive discussions around menstruation and its impact on performance in the athletic arena.