Three years ago, one of the most successful Czech biathletes concluded his professional career. Since then, he’s embraced being a full-time dad, worked as a TV expert during the home World Championships, explored other sports, and launched a successful project promoting physical activity among the younger generation. Now, Ondřej Moravec has returned to biathlon as the coach of the Czech men’s national team.

Biathlonworld: How would you summarize the period between the end of your professional career and receiving the offer from Czech biathlon to become men’s national coach? What would you highlight?

Ondřej Moravec: It was three years during which I sensed that something new would eventually come. During this time, I started the Ski mountaineering for Schools project with a friend I used to hike with, and it turned out to be quite successful. It was a new challenge for me since my experience had always been in sports. I also had to adjust to working with people in a setting where the rules weren't as strict as in sports, which was difficult at first, but I learned to adapt. Ski mountaineering has always been a passion, so when my friend invited me to join, I didn’t hesitate.

BW: Can you introduce the Ski mountaineering for Schools project?

OM: Ski mountaineering for Schools has two main parts. One focuses on training teachers through retraining courses that equip them with the necessary skills to safely take students on ski touring trips during ski camps. They learn basic skills for both uphill and downhill skiing, as well as safety in winter terrain, knowledge that can also be applied to winter hiking.

The second part introduces ski mountaineering to high school students. They first receive a theoretical foundation, followed by practical training in skiing, climbing on skins, and descending. Many students are surprised by what they achieve, as they often feel intimidated at first but end up discovering how enjoyable and different this type of activity is compared to other winter sports, like hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.

BW: Will you be able to balance this project with your role as a coach?

OM: As co-founder and chairman of the association, I plan to stay involved in the project but will have a much smaller physical presence. In the past two years, I’ve been present at almost all the courses, but going forward, others will take over my role.

BW: You participated in the Vasaloppet at the beginning of the year. How was that experience? Can it be compared to a biathlon competition?

OM: In some ways, it’s comparable, but my goal at Vasaloppet was simply to finish. I aimed for 6 hours and missed it by a bit, but the experience was incredible. Unlike a biathlon competition, I wasn’t competing, and I was surprised that I didn't feel the urge to race. People passed me constantly, so I just set my own pace. I struggled a little after 70 km, but nothing too tough. We made it a family trip, arriving a week early so the kids could enjoy the snow since we had almost none in Letohrad (Moravec’s hometown) this year.

BW: What are your first impressions as coach of the Czech men's biathlon team?

OM: It’s been a great, but somewhat unfamiliar experience. I know the environment well, but I had some different expectations. The biggest challenge is the generational gap—some of the athletes are nearly 20 years younger, and that difference shows. I’m trying to understand how they think to better motivate and guide them. They know what they want and how to train, but reshaping their mindset is our main goal.

We haven’t been satisfied with the last two seasons, particularly in shooting, which is a long-term issue. This year, we’re heavily focusing on ski technique, working closely with Norwegian expert Per Torvik, and I’ve been impressed by the collaboration. After the Summer World Championships, we decided to shift more focus to shooting, so I’ll be spending more time at the range during the upcoming camps.

BW: As mentioned, you recently took part in your first Summer Biathlon World Championship in Otepää as a coach. Were you nervous?

OM: Surprisingly, I wasn’t. Before the first competition, I told the athletes to take it seriously, as a World Championship is a World Championship, whether it’s summer or winter—there’s no room for trial runs. At the same time, I encouraged them to enjoy it and use it as a stepping stone for the future. Half of the team did well and left satisfied; the other half had a more difficult time. That’s the reality of coaching—it’s hard to have everything click for everyone at once. Strengthening the entire team is one of our key goals.

BW: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the upcoming seasons?

OM: Each of the athletes on the team has shown their potential for success throughout their careers. But as I always say, only three spots are available on the podium, and reaching that level is incredibly hard. My clear focus is improving shooting accuracy and gradually building consistency. Initially, I didn’t know how to achieve this, but once you understand the process, it becomes the key to reaching greater success.

Photos: IBU / Manzoni, Ondřej Moravec