Swiatek Shares Olympic Dream

World No. 2 tennis player Iga Swiatek eyes biathlon for future winter Olympics

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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After winning her match at the Doha tournament, Iga Swiatek was asked which winter Olympic sport she would like to compete in. The reigning Wimbledon champion expressed interest in the biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Swiatek, whose father was an Olympic rower, said she would also love to ski again someday, having last skied when she was 7 years old.

Why it matters

Swiatek's comments provide insight into the diverse athletic interests and ambitions of one of the top tennis players in the world. Her interest in the biathlon, a demanding winter sport, shows her competitive drive and willingness to challenge herself in new ways beyond tennis.

The details

Swiatek, the world No. 2 ranked tennis player, said she is not interested in the adrenaline-filled sport of alpine skiing, and has never tried skating. However, she expressed interest in the biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Swiatek also said she would love to ski recreationally again, having last skied when she was 7 years old. Her father, Tomasz Świątek, was an Olympic rower for Poland in 1988.

  • Swiatek made these comments after her 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 win over Daria Kasatkina in Doha on February 11, 2026.

The players

Iga Swiatek

The world No. 2 ranked tennis player, who is a perfect 6-0 in Grand Slam finals, and won the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Tomasz Świątek

Iga Swiatek's father, who was an Olympic rower for Poland in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“I don't like that much of adrenaline, so for sure not alpine skiing. Oh my God. I never tried skating, so also I can't.”

— Iga Swiatek, Tennis Player (tennisnow.com)

“Honestly, I never try any winter sport, so I can't really answer that question.... Like, I was skiing up until I was seven, so that's not really enough of experience to judge, you know. I don't know, maybe biathlon. But I will need to see how I am with endurance sports, yeah.”

— Iga Swiatek, Tennis Player (tennisnow.com)

“I would love to ski, yeah. Not super fast, but just get the feeling of it. Because, yeah, last time I skied was when I was seven, so I for sure want to have this experience again.”

— Iga Swiatek, Tennis Player (tennisnow.com)

What’s next

Swiatek will continue her preparations for the upcoming Grand Slam tournaments, with the French Open and Wimbledon on the horizon. Her interest in the biathlon could lead her to explore that sport further in the future, potentially setting her sights on competing in a future Winter Olympics.

The takeaway

Iga Swiatek's comments showcase her diverse athletic interests and ambitions beyond just tennis. Her openness to trying new sports like the biathlon, and her desire to reconnect with skiing, demonstrate her competitive spirit and willingness to challenge herself in new ways. This versatility and drive could make Swiatek a formidable competitor in multiple sports if she chooses to pursue them.