It was a short break from biathlon for Anais Bescond. Just eight months after ending her career as a competitive athlete, running and shooting were once again at the center of her life - albeit from a different perspective. Since then, she has been coaching French Para Biathletes as a shooting coach.

After fifteen years in the Biathlon World Cup, Anais Bescond found it difficult to end her career. ‘It was a tough decision. So many years in the biathlon World Cup and then suddenly doing something else. I had no idea what would come next,’ explains the 37-year-old. But she didn't have to wait long for an offer. After the French championships in March, the French para-biathlon team approached her and asked if she would like to become their shooting coach.

Para Biathlon is a new challenge

At first, Anais Bescond declined the request. ‘I had no connection to para-sport at all. I didn't know the athletes and I didn't know how they train.’ But after taking some time out to reorganize her life and thoughts and complete a coaching course, she decided to take on the challenge and was already travelling with the team in the 2022/23 season.

In Para Biathlon, the athletes only shoot prone. The athletes do not carry their weapon on their back but receive it from the coach at the shooting range. Depending on their physical limitations, they shoot with a laser or an air rifle. ‘I'm very happy that I took this step and am now working as a Para Biathlon coach. It's an incredible opportunity for me to develop further and stay true to biathlon. The team spirit is very good. It feels like a family to me.’

The Paralympics 2030 as a major goal

Anais Bescond trains four athletes who are between 20 and 35 years old. From her point of view, the team could be much bigger. ‘Unfortunately, too few young people in France realize that they have the chance to take part in competitive sport even if they have a disability. There are a few programs where you can try out, but word of mouth still works best. So, we need to talk more about para-sport,’ says Anais Bescond.

She is hoping for the 2030 Paralympics, which will take place in the French Alps, to motivate more young people to take up the sport. To grow the para sport, she is also involved within the International Biathlon Union, where she is the link between the sport and the association. ‘I simply love biathlon. That's why I want it to develop in all areas.’ Anais Bescond has joined the IBU Mentorship Programme. The programme is for former female professional biathletes to support them in their transition between sport and career and to help them take on a leadership role.

Reminiscing and looking to the future

She also talks to her former team-mates Marie Dorin Habert and Marie-Laure Brunet about her own biathlon time, but also about the new strong French women's team. ‘We're still friends and talk on the phone regularly. I sometimes miss our time together. At the same time, I'm a bit sad that I don't have a place in the current strong women's team. The girls are great.’ To avoid feeling too melancholy, Anais Bescond plays the clarinet or goes running before focusing on her protégés and leading them to medals.

Photos: IBU