Estonian biathletes critique the lack of meaningful responses in interviews after Olympic events, expressing frustration over the emotional detachment of the athletes.
In the fifth episode of Postimees' biathlon video podcast "Backup Cartridge," hosts Henrik Kalmet and Tõnis Niinemets interview Tarmo Kärsna, the president of the Estonian Biathlon Federation. They discuss the recent Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina and the upcoming IBU World Cup stage in Otepää. The conversation reflects on the athletes' performances and the broader context of Estonian biathlon, highlighting the challenges athletes face when responding to the media after intense competitions.
Kalmet and Niinemets express their disappointment with the interviews provided by Estonian biathletes, describing them as lacking substance and emotional depth. They note that athletes often seem unwilling to articulate their feelings or experiences, possibly as a self-defense mechanism following high-pressure events. The hosts suggest that while they can understand the emotional toll of competition, the lack of clear communication undermines the athletes' credibility and connection with their audience.
This podcast discussion sheds light on an ongoing issue in sports journalism, where athletes struggle to convey their thoughts adequately after competitions. The context of the Winter Olympics and the immediate anticipation of the World Cup stage in Otepää serve to underline the importance of fostering open communication channels between athletes and the media. The implications of these interviews extend beyond individual performances, as they shape public perception of the sport and its athletes.
