Dorothea Wierer, the Italian biathlete and 35-year-old athlete, has candidly shared her experiences regarding the effects of her menstrual cycle on her performance, particularly during the crucial time of the Milan-Cortina Olympics. In an interview with Norwegian media VG, she revealed that her menstruation coincided with the Olympics, which posed significant challenges during her competitions. Wierer explained that while she often faces criticism for not performing as expected, many are unaware of the physical difficulties that some female athletes experience during their menstrual cycles.

In her performance on February 11, she finished fifth in the women's 15-kilometer race, an achievement that, according to her, was particularly taxing due to physical discomfort related to her menstruation. Wierer expressed that the experience can vary each month, with some months being more challenging than others, and the impact on performance can be considerable for female athletes. Her openness about these challenges serves to shed light on an often stigmatized topic in sports.

Moreover, Wierer emphasized that discussing menstruation should be regarded as a natural part of life and sports, aiming to normalize such conversations within the athletics community. By sharing her story, she hopes to raise awareness about the unique challenges female athletes face, encouraging others to speak up and help foster a more supportive environment for women in sports.