Erik Lesser has something to say. And he’s not afraid to raise his voice. The biathlete pointed out abuses in China and the IOC at the Olympics. In conversation with the star he tells how he wants to tell the Russians the truth about the Ukraine war.
Mr. Lesser, how did you find out about the war in Ukraine?
I was in the kitchen preparing breakfast. My partner said: “The war has broken out. The Russians have invaded Ukraine.” It seemed completely utopian to me that this could happen. For me war in Europe was so far away, for my whole generation it was like that. Then I turned on the Moma (morning magazine from ARD and ZDF) and was taught otherwise.
Have you contacted the Ukrainian team? Dmytro Pidruchnyj showed himself in uniform on Instagram and declared that he will fight for his country. How did you feel about that?
A few days after the start of the war I made contact because it became known that the Ukrainian team was skipping World Cups. I realize that many athletes are in the military, police, border guards or customs. When a case of defense is called at home, they have to take up arms. The fact that he has to go to war two weeks after the Olympics is a different story. That’s just hard for me to understand.
When did you think about what you can do with your celebrity for the people of Ukraine?
About a week after the war began, I tried to contact Ukrainians. I saw on Twitter that you can do takeovers. Actually, this is a marketing ploy to push channels. Now you can use a marketing strategy for something really good. I thought about who to face my 30,000 Russian followers. I wrote to Anastasiya Merkushyna because she is the contact person for the Ukrainian team in the Athletes’ Committee. We exchanged ideas; I explained to her what my concern was and also gave her freedom for her own ideas. I told her I didn’t care if all the Russians unfollowed me. She should do what she thinks is right. She should really hit the plaster. So she did.
How were the reactions in the family, in the team and also among the fans?
I didn’t talk that much before the campaign, only with my partner. It was a gut decision and I worked out how it could work in the privacy of my cell phone. When it started, I only got positive feedback from across Europe. I think some very negative words came from Russia, but fortunately I couldn’t read them. Anastassija blocked the worst ones.
Have you heard reactions from the Russian crew since the beginning of the war?
Little. They said that they think it’s a shame that they can no longer take part in the World Cups, that they also don’t understand why there is a war. But they couldn’t say it out loud for fear of the possible consequences.
Nevertheless, hundreds of Russians have been protesting against the war in their home country in recent days. Would you like Russian biathletes to use their prominence and speak up for Ukraine?
Sure, that would be best for everyone. When national heroes stand up and say they don’t want war, that could make a difference. But I have too little contact with them to be able to influence them. Maybe something else is happening there.
You have openly denounced abuses in the Olympics, IOC and China. Now your actions for Ukraine. What role can sport, athletes can play in such cases?
Sport is never apolitical. It’s an empty phrase, but it’s true: sport can build bridges. He can connect people. It shows that together you can achieve a lot.
And what about reconciliation?
Difficult question. I think it’s about how much is broken. How many Russians actually took action against it. I think there is a way that Russian and Ukrainian athletes can quickly reconcile because they didn’t go to war.
What sporting consequences do you think should be drawn?
The fact is that the Russian Biathlon Union is not a full member of the International Biathlon Union (IBU). I am in favor of the Belarusian federation also no longer being a full member of the IBU. That means the loss of voting rights, of competitions, of offices in the IBU – that would be a sign. That didn’t stop the Russian team from competing. I am against excluding them entirely in peacetime, but my proposal is a political signal nonetheless.
Attack on Ukraine – Faces of War
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Hard break: When did you decide to end your career? What are the reasons?
I made the decision last summer. In terms of sport, the last two years have not been easy. It was sometimes difficult for me to find the motivation during training. In the last season I noticed that my body doesn’t regenerate as quickly. I would also like to be at home more often, sometimes more than being on the road. I have a three year old daughter and I’m afraid of missing out too much. These points led me to my decision and I have not regretted it so far. Even if the last few races are still very successful, adding another season is absolutely not an option for me.
Which degree would you like to have?
I wish it didn’t rain and a clean prone stage. I don’t want to be last and be about to complete the circumnavigation. (laughs) I don’t think I’ll make it to the top. I’m that realistic.
And how do you imagine your life after biathlon?
Very relaxed at first. I want to be a father and give my partner the freedom in her job that I have had in recent years. I would like to become a coach, but initially I don’t want to take on any major tasks in terms of career. I have already discussed this with my employer. When and in what form I will get involved – that will have to wait.
Could you imagine becoming a television pundit like your former teammate Arnd Peiffer?
Yes, that’s a bit on my mind. Of course, the broadcasters have to want to, the constellation has to fit. A part like that with Arnd would be very interesting and we would both really enjoy it. But the diary fills up faster than you can see. Then the resting phase turns into a stressful phase and that’s why I take it easy and don’t actively look for a job.