Moldova secures spots at Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
The Republic of Moldova is poised to open a new chapter in its winter sports history! The nation is set to be represented at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in two critical disciplines: biathlon and cross-country skiing.
At least five athletes will carry the national flag at the major international event in northern Italy. This exciting development was announced by representatives of the national Ski and Biathlon Federations at the "Arena Sportivă" show on Moldova 1.
Biathlon: A Tense Race for the Final Two Spots
The Biathlon Moldova team currently has four athletes qualified. On the women's side, Alina Stremous has already cemented her participation. However, Aliona Makarova still needs to secure her place during the upcoming season. Similarly, the men's team holds two qualified places, but three athletes are fiercely competing for them: Maxim Makarov, Mihail Usov, and Pavel Magazeev.
"Two biathletes will join the Moldova Winter Olympics 2026 team, but the final decision on the names will be made no later than January 18. On the women's side, we are very well positioned with Alina Stremous, who has already confirmed her ticket. Aliona Makarova is also qualified at the moment, yet she still has a tough fight ahead to maintain her current standing," explained Petru Bria, Secretary General of the Moldovan Biathlon Federation.
The Athletes' Perspective on the Olympic Dream
Pavel Magazeev emphasized the high stakes: "Sport is exactly like business. It requires a clear plan that must be executed. Indeed, if we achieve all our goals, the result will be excellent. It's hard to predict the immediate future. In sport, especially in biathlon, everything can change in 3-5 seconds. One moment you're in a good position, the next a failed shot sends you into the abyss. The Olympics is the ultimate motivation; it’s where the world's best athletes converge. The competition is incredible. Everyone is motivated; everyone has colossal resources. To be counted among the best there is the highest achievement for an athlete."
Maxim Makarov noted the pressure of the Olympic year. "A season that includes the Olympics is always tense. Everyone mobilizes to the maximum. We will strive to do everything we can. Our minimum objective is to perform at least as well as we did at the previous Olympics and to have 3-4 biathletes on the starting line," he stated.
Aliona Makarova stressed the need for focus: "This is a season that demands maximum responsibility. The start at the Olympics is the same as at a World Cup stage. Therefore, I don't want to treat the Olympic Games as a unique and more important event than the others, because I don't want to psychologically give in beforehand. First, we must achieve Winter Sports Qualification, then secure a great result there, and make everyone proud of us."
First Cross-Country Skier Qualified
The first Moldovan athlete qualified for the 2026 Olympic Games in the Cross-Country Skiing Moldova event is Iulian Luchin. Several other young skiers also have a realistic chance of reaching the Olympics in this discipline.
Iulian Luchin shared his excitement: "I feel joy, but also great responsibility because the Olympics is an event where you represent your country. It's a heavy responsibility on my shoulders. It was a difficult road with many hard training sessions. I overcame all the physical and psychological barriers. I believe that given my current level of preparation, I am ready to deliver a good performance."
At the previous Olympic Games in Beijing, the Republic of Moldova was represented by five athletes.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
