Timofey Lapshin Russian biathlete. Date of Birth: 03.02.1988 Country: Russia

Timofey Lapshin: Russian Biathlete
Russian biathlete Timofey Lapshin, who came second in today's sprint race at the 8th stage of the World Cup in Kontiolahti, answered questions from a sports reporter. One internet resource claims that you have been incredibly accurate this season and have a 100% shooting accuracy while lying down. Is that true?
- It was true. I started off well, but then my percentage dropped. Interestingly, my shooting accuracy is worse while lying down compared to standing. What is your overall shooting accuracy currently?
- Honestly, I don't know. (Before the last race, it was 89.3%. - Editor's note). After the sprint in Hochfilzen, where we finished third, there were claims that the heavy snowfall gave you an advantage by creating unequal conditions for the participants.
- Now, it seems like I have proven that I can perform well even in stable weather conditions and under serious competition. Today's battle was tough: the top ten finished within twenty seconds, and the top three within 1.6 seconds. Winning a silver medal in such a situation can't be attributed solely to luck, I believe. How does it feel for an athlete to lose in the fight for gold by less than a second?
- In terms of distance, I have lost more to Martin Fourcade. I made up 3.2 seconds on the last lap, but it wasn't enough. Perhaps I didn't distribute my energy correctly. I was initially behind and then started catching up. I should have started catching up a bit earlier. Would I have had enough strength?
- Now, it seems like I would have. On the other hand, I wasn't really thinking about Fourcade during the race. I was just running as fast as I could, giving it my all. So, are you definitely going to the World Championships now?
- I don't know yet, no one has told me anything. If I perform well in January and meet the criteria, and if the coaches make a positive decision, I hope I will be selected. I would like to participate in some race at the World Championships. Are you ready to compete in the Russian Cup in Ufa, where the seventh and eighth spots on the national team will be determined?
- I have considered that option, and if necessary, I will definitely compete. However, my main focus has been on Kontiolahti, to give it my all and fine-tune my performance. So far, it's going well. By the end of the eighth stage of the World Cup, do you still have an appetite for biathlon?
- I had two stages where I was sick, so I haven't really had a chance to run much. Here in Finland, I have done many training sessions, both control and development, because in Holmenkollen, I didn't feel like myself due to the after-effects of the illness. Did it help?
- My functional readiness is starting to improve. Am I at 100%?
- No, I am far from 100% ready. Evgeny Garanichev mentioned that it is customary in the national team to give money as a birthday gift. You celebrated your birthday on February 3. Have you already converted the money into a gift?
- Not yet, I still have it in an envelope. A thick one?
- (Laughs) Not really. You were born in Krasnoyarsk. How did you move to Moscow, which you now represent?
- Nikolay Lopukhov, who coaches us in the national team, invited me to his experimental Moscow team "Sochi-2014". I have been a part of it ever since. I studied at the DYUSSH No. 43 (the most famous graduate of this school is Olga Zaitseva). Who is your favorite football player in Manchester United?
- Where? You are a fan of Manchester United, aren't you?
- Exactly. It was Cristiano Ronaldo before, but now it's definitely Wayne Rooney.