New role for former ÖSV coach Gösweiner

After his departure from ÖSV, biathlon coach Reinhard Gösweiner has found a new role.

The 54-year-old is once again taking over the Belarusian men's team, which he previously coached between 2020 and 2022.

"I was naturally a little surprised by this offer," Gösweiner told the Belarusian outlet "Sport5." He actually had other plans, but the idea was interesting from the outset.

World Cup participation uncertain

"It's exciting to work with such a team. There are so many athletes here. I already know some of them from my (first) time in Belarus, where I worked with them and competed alongside them in World Cups. It was really interesting to observe their progress and recognize the potential of these young athletes," Gösweiner said about his motivations.

Whether Gösweiner and his team will be allowed to compete in the World Cup is still open: Since 2022, Belarusian athletes have been excluded from participation by the IBU. The same applied to the Olympic Games, but the IOC lifted the restrictions imposed on Belarusian sport at the beginning of May.

A decision by the IBU regarding this is still pending.

"Very high level" in the team

Should this also end the ban, Gösweiner is confident that at least one athlete can compete at the top: Anton Smolski. "Based on his results before the ban, he would be among the best in the world," Gösweiner says.

Generally, he attests to the Belarusian biathletes having a "very high level," describing them primarily as "excellent shooters," even if there is still room for improvement.