Biathlon | “This period forced me to learn patience, to accept slowing down and to really listen to my body” : Achilles tendon injury, return to the Savoie committee, rehabilitation… Eva Laine talks to Nordic Magazine

Biathlon: Eva Laine emerges from a difficult period

The final months of the career of Savoie biathlete Eva Laine, 21, were not the easiest. After a 2023/2024 season marked by top 10 finishes in the Junior Cup, she had earned her place in the 2030 Excellence group. But Achilles tendonitis put a stop to her progress.

Although she took part in the European junior championships last winter, she had to put an early end to her exercise because of pain. A few months later, Eva Laine, who will be competing in theSavoie Nordique team this summer, spoke at length to Nordic Magazine. Interview.

• At the beginning of March, you announced that you would be putting an early end to your season to treat your Achilles tendon. Can you tell us what this is all about?

It all started with tendonitis in the Achilles tendon, which worsened over time. The chronic inflammation eventually led to a bony outgrowth known as Haglund’s disease. It became very painful, and I had to have an operation on 4 April 2024. After the operation, I’d hoped to be able to resume riding soon, but the pain persisted. That winter, as nothing improved, I had an MRI, and that’s when they discovered a tendon fissure. At that point, I decided to put an end to my season so that I could get proper treatment.

• How are you doing at the moment?

I’ve entered the rehabilitation phase, which is scheduled to last 6 months. I’ve been able to resume training: cycling, weight training, swimming and walking. For the time being, the aim is to be pain-free in all my daily activities and sports. The aim is also to be able to resume ski-wheeling and running gradually.

• This injury had an impact on your winter, just as you were coming off a summer in the Excellence 2030 team. How frustrating was that for you?

First of all, I’d like to say that this summer has been one of the most difficult of my career. I lived between re-education and constantly adapting my training. I spent two three-week stays in Capbreton, but the pain was still there, as if my body was refusing to move forward. What was particularly hard was to see the others doing everything normally. They did one session after another and made progress, while I had to adapt each movement and each session. I took up roller-skiing again very late, and I couldn’t even keep up with the girls in my group.

• After that, the season followed the same pattern…

The winter was just like the summer: frustrating and up and down. I didn’t even think I’d be eligible for international selection, so the few competitions I did take part in, even though they were far from my expectations, were almost a victory. Overall, this period forced me to learn patience, to accept slowing down and to really listen to my body. It’s hard, but it’s changed me.

• After that, you were not retained in the federal group. Was it a natural decision to return to the Savoie committee?

Coming back to Equipe Savoie Nordique was a natural choice. It’s an environment that I know well, that reassures me and, above all, it’s a very structured framework for rebuilding myself after a period like that. I’ve been able to talk to the coaches, we’ve thought things through and I’m happy to be back here.

• You’re part of a very strong team that also includes Fany Bertrand, Camille Coupé, Léonie Jeannier, Violette Bony and Thémice Fontaine. How does that inspire you?

It’s a really solid group, with a lot of talent, experience and ambition. I’m really happy to be part of it! There are several of us girls, each with our own background and energy, and I think that can create a great dynamic. We’re bound to pull each other up.

• Would you say that this is a French B team?

Yes, definitely! There’s a very good level in the group, and that’s super motivating. Three of the girls have already played on the IBU Cup circuit, so obviously they have more experience. What I also think is great is that we’ve never all been in the same group before. We’re six girls with very different profiles, each with her own history and experience. That creates a real richness and a real group dynamic. I feel that it can really lift us up.

• What are your objectives for the preparation?

The first thing is to heal completely. I want to come back strong, solid, and above all at 100% of my capacity. Today, my biggest objective is to be able to start running again, to feel no pain, and to be able to train for hours on end without any constraints. This preparation is an essential stage in rebuilding my body, regaining my confidence and laying a healthy foundation for the future. I’m taking the time I need, but I’m determined to come back stronger.

• And what about next winter?

I really want to get back to full fitness and be ready to give it my all. After this healing and rebuilding phase, I hope to be able to get back to my level, do some great races and, above all, enjoy the season to the full without any pain or worries. The aim is also to be able to perform well on the IBU Cup circuit while being regular and competitive, race after race and shot after shot.

• Eva Laine forced to end her season prematurely