I realize this is a bit of a late post. I wanted to share my experiences from the last few weeks of a great summer!

Living and training in a small Swiss town was something I will never forget. I went there to train hard and to grow as an athlete and as a person. This opportunity was a true commitment to my sport and my dreams.

Biathlon has given me so much more than just good racing. It’s opened doors I never imagined, brought me closer to my Olympic dream, and shown me the world I only ever read about or saw on screens. This experience showed me what’s beyond my goals in competition: the life, the people, the challenges, and the growth that comes with it.

Living alone in a foreign country, navigating language barriers, figuring out public transport without internet, and handling the unexpected moments (like getting stuck overnight in the Italian-speaking region) taught me independence and resilience. These are lessons and experiences that I’ll carry with me forever.

I found a home in the town of Lantsch/Lenz, at the range, on the trails, and in the company of biathletes who became my friends that will always hold a special place in my heart. At the dinner table we shared passion, debates over VO2 max, dry fire techniques, and the biathlon happenings. My coaches at the Biathlon Schtützpunkt Ostschweiz made me part of their team. Thank you iLmar Heinicke and Ricco Gross for everything you gave me this summer. 

While I spent time training in every spot I visited, I came to realize that it is my favorite way to explore. I biked through the Dolomites, crossed the border to tiny Liechtenstein, and spent a day in the Italian-speaking Ticino region. 

I’m filled with gratitude for everyone who made my trip possible this summer. Thank you to the friends, coaches, and family who supported me. This chapter may be closing, but I hope it’s just the beginning of many more.