For Lithuanian biathlete Vytautas Strolia, the path to a fourth Winter Olympic Games began with a difficult but defining decision more than a decade ago.
“This was probably one of the most important choices of my sporting career,” the 33-year-old told LRT, reflecting on his decision in 2014 to switch from cross-country skiing to biathlon.
Born in the small town of Anykščiai in northern Lithuania, Strolia had competed as a cross-country skier at the Sochi Winter Olympics. But after those Games he decided to change discipline, adding rifle shooting to endurance skiing – a move that reshaped his career.
Within four years, he had earned a place on Lithuania’s national biathlon team. By the 2018 PyeongChang Games, he was competing as a biathlete, and in the years that followed he established himself among the sport’s elite. In 2022, Strolia finished in the top six of Biathlon World Cup races on three occasions.
Ahead of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, LRT is introducing all Lithuanian Olympians. A total of 17 athletes will represent Lithuania in Italy: eight biathletes, four cross-country skiers, three figure skaters and two alpine skiers. The Games will take place from February 6 to 22 and will be broadcast by LRT.
Family support brings confidence
As Lithuania prepares for the 2026 Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics, Strolia will be one of the most experienced members of its delegation. He is one of only two Lithuanian athletes to have competed at three previous Winter Games.
Strolia says the move from skiing to biathlon allowed him to truly fulfil his potential.
“I really don’t think I would have achieved similar results in cross-country skiing, for various reasons,” he said. “I’m grateful to the Biathlon Federation – they’ve worked hard with me, we’ve cooperated well, and together we’ve achieved what we have today.”
The Anykščiai-born athlete has not missed a Winter Olympics since 2014, but says each Olympic cycle has been very different.
“You mature every year,” he said. “You start paying attention to details in a different way. When I look back at my first Olympics, I don’t think I was a professional athlete yet. That was normal at the time. I’ve grown step by step, and now, at 33, I think completely differently.”
Despite the global prestige of the Olympic Games, Strolia deliberately avoids placing them above all other competitions.
“I try not to overemphasise the Olympics, because that can create unnecessary pressure,” he said. “For me, European and world championships are just as important.”
“Every competition matters – every World Cup stage. Yes, Olympic results tend to be more historic, but if I had to choose between a World Championship medal or a top-10 Olympic finish, I’d choose the world medal.”
Chasing the dream
Asked about his goals for Milan–Cortina, Strolia quoted Lithuanian Dakar Rally driver Benediktas Vanagas, who once said that every competitor starts a race believing they can fight for medals.
“Realistically, maybe we can fight for the top 20 or top 10. But we always go for the dream and always think about it. Because if you don’t, then is it even worth going?”
Strolia’s best Olympic result to date came in Beijing in 2022, when he finished 21st in the 20km individual event – just one accurate shot short of surpassing the best-ever Lithuanian Olympic biathlon result, a 13th place held by Tomas Kaukėnas.
At the 2026 Games, biathletes will compete on the tracks of Antholz (Anterselva), at an altitude of more than 1,600 metres above sea level.
“This year we focused on spending more time training in the mountains,” Strolia said. “We even trained in Antholz during the summer to see how we felt. We’ll only really know after the season whether it worked.”
Family as a driving force
Away from competition, Strolia’s life has also changed. During this Olympic cycle, he became the father of two daughters – a source of strength he says has helped him through difficult periods.
“Subconsciously, you always feel that support behind you. You know it’s there, and that gives you a lot of calm and confidence,” he said.
Strolia also had a message for all Lithuanian athletes heading to Milan and Cortina.
“Worry less, enjoy the process, enjoy the Olympic atmosphere – and don’t forget why we’re going there,” he said.
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