Biathlete Ema Kapustová. (source: TASR)
In the town of Revúca, southeastern Slovakia, the Biathlon mainly survives thanks to the enthusiasm of two siblings. Dušan Chrapán and Milan Chrapán have been involved in the sport for decades.
"It required a certain amount of fanaticism, which the town club has in spades," says 72-year-old Milan.
Several successful representatives have been raised in the Revúca club; fans of the Slovak biathlon are currently taking pleasure in the successes of the talented Ema Kapustová.
In addition, Markus Sklenárik won a bronze medal at the January Winter Youth Olympic Games.
Who is responsible for these achievements?
A coaching duo
Milan is the older of the two siblings and has dedicated his whole life to the biathlon. "Specifically since 1974," he notes.
Dušan, five years Milan's junior, got into sports after completing his compulsory military service. "We started training and chasing each other in the woods. In Revúca, we mostly focused on the summer biathlon," said Dušan, who became the Slovak summer and winter biathlon champion several times.
"My brother and I formed a coaching duo in 1980. Together we've been successful, a rarity by the standards of the Slovak biathlon. Usually there is only one person who takes care of everything," adds Milan.
Both brothers were there when the Revúca club emerged in 1991 and started training the youth.
"We were lucky to find good people and that a very good organisational staff formed. There was always someone who improved something and we worked our way up to the level of the national team. Our effort was to raise someone who would go all the way to the Olympics. My niece Martina Chrapánová managed to do it; she represented Slovakia in Sochi 2014 [Winter Olympics - Ed. note]," said Milan.
Adapting to conditions
However, managing the club is financially demanding. "There is not much money to be made in this valley," says Dušan. The town lies in a valley surrounded by the Muráňska Planina plateau and the mountain ranges of Stolické Vrchy and Revúcka Vrchovina.
The club receives some money from the Slovak Biathlon Union (SBZ), some from parents.
"Our club is unable to cover the financial burden of training athletes. A biathlete needs between 12,000 to 15,000 cartridges a year. Money-wise, it's very difficult," adds Milan. Travelling to areas with snow means more expenses. The biathlon course in Osrblie, central Slovakia, is 70 kilometres away.
