Mediamax Sport’s exclusive interview with 5 time Biathlon World champion on the eve of 2014 Sochi Olympics.
“If you want to be a champion, you should not copy others. You must make your own way. I have never dreamed of being R.Poirée or OE Bjöerndalen. I have dreamed of becoming a ski champion. I think it’s megalomaniac to think I will mark biathlon’s history. It is not me”
Martin Fourcade
Fourcade is a well known surname in French and international biathlon. Simon and Martin Fourcade brothers have their surname loudly announced at almost every major international tournament. Martin Fourcade won a silver medal in Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver 4 years ago. He also won the 2011–12 and 2012-13 Overall World Cups. Fourcade is 5 time World Champion. After his stunning exploits during 2012/13 season, Martin Fourcade is already in Sochi and in only a few days will try to fulfill the dream of his whole life – become an Olympic champion. So the first Olympic medals will be played in men’s sprint on February 8, and Armenian fans will see Martin Fourcade in action.
By the way, according to bookmakers, Fourcade is the main contender for gold. 
-Martin, Your older brother Simon is also a professional biathlete. Did you choose biathlon because Simon chose it?
-We both practiced different sports during our childhood. I didn’t choose biathlon because Simon did it, but the path he passed and the advice he gave to me helped me greatly. Simon’s influence on my sport career is really big...he showed me the way!
-As of today, which is the most significant moment in your career?
I have had too many good memories to choose only one! My Olympic medal as well my world champion titles, my victories at world cup total and stages... It is really too hard to choose only one knowing that victories are not the only significant instant in my career...
-When does the biathlon season start and how long does it last? 
-In my case, in the previous season I started training on the 1st of May (2012) and I closed my sport season on the 4th of April, 2013... But my sports obligations continued until mid-April...My holidays lasted only 15 days!
-And where did you spend your holidays?
-I spent a wonderful holiday in Mauricius … Sea, beach and sun - kind of a paradise after a very long winter!
-Were you successful during 2012-13 season?
-The last season was amazing! I never thought I could be as productive as I was. I won 10 out of 23 races and I managed to stand on the winner’s podium for 19 times... It’s the outcome of many years of work I have performed with my team!
-Please describe biathlon in one sentence.
- I can do it in one word! Suspense! (Laughing)
-Being famous is not always pleasant... What's the other side of the coin?
-I don’t feel the dark side of being famous. I have organized my life in a way as to have time for private life.
-And who do you call after scoring a victory?
-My girlfriend. (Smiling)
-How do you combine private life with the sport life? It’s said to be rather difficult.
-It’s not easy. Biathlon is a large part of my life but it’s my choice... People around me have gotten the hardest part. They have to respect my choice and it’s not always easy.
-Your brother and you are said to be non-commissioned officers as well? What is the famous biathlete doing in the army?
-I’m in army for sport reasons. Army greatly backs sports in France and many renowned athletes serve in the army. Army helps us focus only on our sport!
-Martin, recently a movie was shot about your career. Can you share some details?
-This movie was an amazing experience with the entire crew. It helped me reveal to myself the other side of my job and I love it. The purpose was to show my fans how hard I work over summer to be on the top in winter... You can watch it on www.martinfourcade-lefilm.com. There you can find the full French and short English versions!
-Martin, Catalonia is special for you. Why?
-I was born in Catalonia and I grew up in this land... It’s my home and the place where I love to be. Of course like all Catalans I support FC Barcelona. I’m not a soccer fan and I will never be on, but I support. (Smiling)
-What do you do in your free time?
-I love sports more than anything else, but when I have free time I use it to rest and relax!
-Main goal in sports for Martin Fourcade.
-My primary goal is to become an Olympic champion. I will do everything to reach my aim in Sochi. I would also like to continue my pursuit of happiness.
-Martin, what do you know about Armenia and Armenian sports?
-I know that Armenia has splendid nature and lots of mountains. I also know that wrestling is very popular in Armenia.
-Next most important moment for you is…
-Olympics in Sochi, of course. (Smiling)
-Martin, we wish you good luck in Sochi Olympics. Have a brilliant performance and realize the main sport dream of your life.
- Thank you. I hope you will be present at Sochi Olympic Games and support me there. I hope the interest towards biathlon will increase in Armenia.
Martin Fourcade was interviewed by Narine Daneghyan
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