Edlingerová’s Unique Shooting Style Fuels Paralympic Success for Czech Republic

Val di Fiemme, Italy – The 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo have already delivered compelling stories, and among the most intriguing is that of Tereza Edlingerová, the Czech biathlete whose unconventional shooting technique hasn’t hindered her success. In fact, her coach believes it’s a key part of what makes her a champion.

Edlingerová, who recently claimed silver in the sprint and gold in the pursuit at the Paralympics, has captivated observers with her approach to the shooting range. While many biathletes utilize the index finger for trigger control, Edlingerová employs her middle finger. “I’d rather you didn’t ask me about that,” coach Ondřej Paťava joked to reporters, acknowledging the peculiarity. “I figured if it’s working, we wouldn’t fix it before the Paralympics, but we’ll definitely demand to work on it after the Games.”

Paťava oversees the entire Czech biathlon team and focuses heavily on technique at the shooting range. While satisfied with the shooting form of Simona Bubeníčková and Miroslav Motejzek, he recognizes areas for improvement with Edlingerová. “I sense like we’re currently at the maximum of what we can achieve, but there are definitely things we can work on in the future to produce the shooting faster and more precise,” he explained.

Despite the unconventional method, Edlingerová is delivering results. The former Austrian athlete, now competing for the Czech Republic, has proven her mettle on the Paralympic stage. Her success highlights the adaptability and resilience of athletes at the highest level of competition.

How Shooting Works for Visually Impaired Biathletes

For visually impaired biathletes like Edlingerová and Bubeníčková, traditional aiming methods are impossible. Instead, they rely on auditory cues. “The rifle is laser-based, and I wear headphones, so the laser beam transmits sound to me through the headphones, and I aim according to the pitch of the sound,” explained Bubeníčková, a fellow Czech Paralympian, detailing the process. This innovative system allows athletes to “see” the target through sound, enabling them to compete effectively.

Paťava believes the biggest challenge with Edlingerová’s technique lies in her trigger pull. “She shoots with her middle finger, not her index finger, as is common. She says she reloads faster with her index finger because she has it ready and can then fire with the other finger immediately,” Paťava explained. He admits he’d like to change this in the future, but refrained from making adjustments before the Games. “It worked for her, and I didn’t want to change anything before the Paralympics, but now we have a lot of work ahead of us.”

Edlingerová herself is aware of the quirks in her technique. “I sometimes shot differently before and worked on the technique myself, but with a biathlon coach, it’s something completely different. I learned a completely different technique in the past, which somehow hits the target,” she said with a laugh, acknowledging that her coach likely endures some frustration with her style. “Maybe it’s a good thing I can’t see it.”

A Style Reminiscent of a Legend

Despite the technical nuances, Paťava remains optimistic. “She knows how to shoot, but sometimes she holds the shots a little too long and doesn’t maintain the correct rhythm,” he noted. However, he draws a parallel to one of athletics’ most iconic figures. “As long as she hits the targets, I’m actually happy as a coach. Zátopek also ran in his own style, and look how far he got,” Paťava said, referencing Emil Zátopek, the legendary Czech long-distance runner known for his unique and incredibly effective running form.

The 2026 Winter Paralympics, running from March 6th to 15th, have seen a record-breaking 24 Czech athletes competing across para hockey, para biathlon, alpine skiing, and cross-country skiing. The Czech para hockey team is among the medal contenders, demonstrating the nation’s growing strength in Paralympic sports. Simona Bubeníčková also added to the Czech medal count, securing a silver medal in the 10km classical cross-country skiing event on March 13th, building on her earlier success in biathlon.

Bubeníčková’s silver in the 10km classical event, following a silver in the biathlon pursuit, underscores the Czech team’s strong performance in Tesero. The team’s success is a testament to their dedication and the innovative approaches employed by their coaches.

Edlingerová’s story is a reminder that success isn’t always about conforming to conventional wisdom. Her unique shooting style, combined with her determination and the support of her coach, has propelled her to Paralympic glory. As the Games continue, all eyes will be on Edlingerová and the Czech team as they strive for further success.

Next up for the Czech biathlon team is continued training and preparation for future competitions, with a focus on refining Edlingerová’s shooting technique while maintaining the elements that have already brought her success. What are your thoughts on Edlingerová’s unconventional style? Share your comments below!