Biathlon is a demanding sport that combines endurance, concentration, and precision. For Anthony Chalençon, a blind athlete, this sport is much more than a competition: it is a passion and a daily challenge. A Paralympic champion and three-time world champion, he shares his journey, challenges, and ambitions with us.
Interview with Anthony Chalençon:
Hello Anthony, can you introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Anthony Chalençon, I am completely blind and I compete in biathlon as a disabled athlete. I have been lucky enough to become a Paralympic champion and three-time world champion in this sport.
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to take up this sport?
I was an alpine skier until 2010, but it wasn't a sport that was very well suited to my disability. I wanted to stay in the mountains and continue to progress on the snow. So I tried cross-country skiing and biathlon, and I was immediately hooked. Since then, I haven't stopped training and improving.
What specific challenges do you face as a blind athlete in this sport and how do you overcome them?
One of the first challenges is to move safely on the track. You also have to find a good guide and develop solid reflexes with them to optimize your performance as a team.
For shooting, we use a sound system connected to the rifle. Thanks to special headphones, we hear a sound that becomes louder as we get closer to the target. It takes a lot of practice, but it allows us to aim accurately.
How do G-Heat heated gloves help you in biathlon?
They are very useful, especially when shooting. If our fingers are cold, we can't feel the trigger and we lose accuracy. Thanks to the G-Heat heated gloves, we can keep our hands warm before we get to the shooting range, which allows us to control our movements better and avoid accidentally firing shots.
What would you say to people with disabilities who want to take up sport?
I would tell them to give it a try, even if they don't have any competitive ambitions. Playing sports is beneficial on so many levels. It's accessible to everyone with determination and hard work. You have to set goals and see it through, even if you don't achieve them all. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy every moment.
What are your next goals?
This winter, my main goal is to compete in the World Championships in Slovenia and win another gold medal like last year. Then there are the Paralympic Games in Milan in 2026, where I would like to win at least one medal. That would be a great achievement!
Anthony Chalençon is an inspiring example of perseverance and pushing oneself to the limit. Through his journey, he proves that obstacles are never insurmountable and that passion, hard work, and determination can take you to the top. We wish him all the best for his upcoming competitions and hope to see him shine on the biathlon tracks for many years to come!
