Russia`s leading biathlete says ready to do his best in remaining

VANCOUVER, February 17 (Itar-Tass) -- Russia's leading biathlete
Yevgeny Ustyugov said Tuesday he feels saddened by the Russian national
Olympic team's performance at the Olympic Games in Vancouver.
"It's really sad we've gotten just one medal so far /a bronze in speed
skating -- Itar-Tass/ because the fourth day of the Games is in progress,"
he told Itar-Tass. "I understand big hopes are pinned on us biathletes but
something doesn't work somehow and I don't really understand why -- either
the willingness is too overwhelming, or else you can't jump over your own
head."
He said he did well enough in the pursuit race earlier in the day.
"I worked hard from the start and to the finish line and I'm content
with my physical condition," Ustyugov said.
He started and finished the pursuit at the fifteenth position.
"I also felt quite well two days ago in sprint and if it hadn't been
for mixture of rain and snowstorm I could have fought for something really
considerable," Ustyugov complained.
He confessed he had problems with shooting Thursday. "Pursuit as such
is a crazy event and I realized the way the shooting should be approached
only before the final approach. That's why shots from the prone position
were not correct -- I didn't manage to control my breath."
Ustyugov declined to speak about the prospects for his participation
in men's individual events, saying it was up to the coaches to take the
decision.
"I don't feel tired at all and I am ready for all the remaining three
starts," he said.
-0-kle