Pichler coached the Swedish national biathlon team on several occasions. For several years, the German was the personal trainer for Magdalena Forsberg - the world star who, in the 1990s and 2000s, gave the sport a huge boost.
Forsberg herself became extremely popular.
So did Pichler. But he was also noted for his methods and for his outspokenness. The last time Pichler had influence over Swedish biathlon during an Olympic game was in Pyeongchang 2018.
That's when Hanna Öberg surprised everyone and won gold in the distance race. Eight years later, Pichler had Öberg as his personal favorite for Wednesday's race in Antholz.
Believed in Hanna Öberg
Not a good tip, as it turned out. Öberg had a tough day.
I saw her shoot yesterday, she didn't miss a shot and looked to be in good shape. I'm still Swedish. I feel sorry for her.
Pichler was all the more delighted by Hristova's sensational bronze medal. The achievement is best put in this perspective: The Bulgarian's best finish in the World Cup is 25th place.
"Unbelievable. And huge. We are a very small national team and being able to go home with a medal is hard to take in," says Pichler.
I saw in the relay that she was in good shape. She had nice times and I thought she might have a chance.
How big is the bronze in Bulgaria?
"I hope it will be big," says Pichler, who was contracted by the Bulgarian Biathlon Federation in June last year.
“Works the same way”
With the support of the International Biathlon Union's (IBU) "Close the gap" program, Bulgaria was able to engage Pichler.
IBU called and asked if I could help Bulgaria and I agreed on the condition that I wouldn't have to travel there.
Pichler downplays his part in Hristova's success.
I work the same way I did when I was in Sweden. I haven't changed anything. It's about motivation, hard work and preparing yourself properly.
Lara Hristova, 22, has a different opinion.
From the very beginning I felt that I had his trust. He has inspired me and everyone else on the team. He has motivated us to believe that we can achieve good results.
