Six great quotes from Iryna Bui

“Changes are not easy, but I am very optimistic and I am sure everything will be fine.”

Before returning to the snow ahead of the 2015 IPC Nordic Skiing World Championships in Cable, Wisconsin, USA, from 23 January – 1 February, Ukrainian women’s biathlon standing world champion Iryna Bui gave an emotional interview to Paralympic.org.

Here are the best quotes, including some previously unpublished, from the 19-year-old on disappointment in Sochi, moving forward with her career and the sport she loves.

On her favourite course

“Every competition venue is connected with memories and emotions. I like Norway as there was my first international start, in Finland I won my first medal at an international level.

“The World Championships in Sweden was the first for me, maybe that is why it is such a memorable place.

“There were tears, worries, fun, happiness, lots of talking (I like to communicate a lot), and a very friendly and warm atmosphere!”

On motivation

“I work, I want and I believe. I am interested in what I can achieve.”

On Ukrainian success, which sees them consistently dominate at major competitions

“I think that every member of Ukraine team is fighting for his or her title.

“Despite barriers and problems we live without limits. For all of us it is the purpose of our life, our work and our leisure.”

On biathlon

“This is my favorite sport, I love it and enjoy it!

“My rifle and me - we are one unit. It always shows my conditions and my concentration. I love my air rifle. I love shooting and biathlon sport. It helps me to express myself.

“There is a constant feeling of intrigue until the last shooting range, until the last shot. I fell in love with biathlon from the first days in sport.

“I am venturesome person and grow heated. In biathlon I like this feeling of control, combination and separation at the same time of skiing and shooting.”

On crying

“One day before the start, I always talk to someone to calm down my thoughts.

“Sometimes I even cry to let the steam off.”

On Sochi and Cable 2015

“There was deep analyses after Sochi in order to make necessary changes and correct the mistakes in my work. I am still trying to understand what I really need in order to achieve positive changes and success, how to harmonise my physical abilities with my mind and thinking.

“I am studying my inner state and faith in what I am doing.

My first coach said “all hard work will be awarded”. My current motto is “a sound mind in a sound body” that is what I am trying to achieve.

“Changes are not easy, but I am very optimistic and I am sure everything will be fine.”

Cable 2015 will feature over 150 athletes from 20 countries, including Bui defending her 10km biathlon standing title, in the biggest gathering of para-Nordic skiers since the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

Media accreditation is still open.

The competition schedule for biathlon and cross-country disciplines is also available.