How femininity and professional sports go together, and whether Estonian design can keep up with a fast-paced lifestyle? Additionally, we’ll discuss what Regina’s dream sweater would look like and how she balances training, rest, and everyday life.

Read on to discover how Regina combines an active lifestyle with comfort and style!

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy aren’t that far away—do they already cross your mind? What are your goals and dreams for the next Games?

Yes, the Olympics are definitely on my mind because they’re not far off anymore. But I’ve always approached sports with the mindset that every moment matters—I don’t suddenly feel like I have to train “better” now because I’ve always given my best and worked professionally.

What’s exciting is knowing that something big is coming—it adds motivation and excitement. Right now, it’s still a calm period, but thinking about the Olympics already makes my eyes light up. My dream, of course, is to deliver my best performance there and feel 100% prepared.

In sports, we hear a lot about physical endurance, but how important is mental strength? How do you mentally prepare before a big competition?

Mental strength is just as important—sometimes even more important—than physical condition. I’ve worked with a sports psychologist for years and have learned how much depends on where I direct my thoughts and energy.

One of the biggest shifts for me has been realizing that everything starts with me. I am responsible for my own thoughts and reactions. When I control my inner state, the outside world can’t influence me as easily. That’s incredibly liberating. Before a race, I focus on what I can control—shifting my focus from other people and external conditions to myself and my performance.

The life of an athlete is fast-paced and exhausting—how do you relax? Are you more of a "couch, tea, and cozy sweater" person, or do you prefer staying active even on rest days?

I’m not great at just sitting still—I like to keep myself engaged, even on rest days. I always have some kind of project going on, whether it’s content creation, learning a new language, or studying. I believe keeping my mind active also helps me grow as an athlete.

That said, I do love moments of calm. A cup of warm tea, a good book, and comfy homewear like sweater and leggings, are definitely my go-to for unwinding and enjoy being present in the moment.

As a biathlete, you’re constantly in cold conditions—do wool layers make it into your training gear, or is that more of a post-competition thing?

During training and competitions, practicality comes first. Biathlon requires gear that is as light and form-fitting as possible to ensure maximum mobility. Thick clothing can interfere with shooting positions and simply doesn’t fit the body’s natural posture for the sport. That’s why I prefer thin, tight-fitting layers during training.

However, warm wool layers are essential after competing. When my body is exhausted from the effort and the cold, throwing on wool clothing is the best way to recover and warm up again. Socks are something I never compromise on—I always wear woolen socks because they’re warm and breathable, which is crucial in cold conditions. The same goes for cozy wool sweaters, scarves, hats, and gloves—they all play an important role!

If you had to choose one piece of clothing that represents both you as an athlete and as a person, what would it be and why?

Definitely a sweater! I think I might actually be "Sweater-Regina" because I wear them all the time—over my pajamas in the morning, with leggings during the day, or even paired with dressier outfits. For me, a sweater symbolizes comfort and warmth—it gives me a sense of security and home, no matter where I am.

I’m also a big fan of vests because layering a vest over a sweater is the perfect combo for me. It adds practicality and versatility without feeling restrictive or bulky. That pretty much sums me up—I like to be free and mobile but also feel cozy and comfortable.

If you could design your perfect sweater, what would it look like? (Would it have a pocket for a sports bottle perhaps?)

My perfect sweater would be something that instantly makes me smile! It definitely has to be in pastel colors with a cheerful and fun design. Comfort is key, so the fit should be oversized but not too heavy or bulky—more like something light and soft that feels good at the first moment I put it on.

A pocket for a sports bottle? Hmm… that’s an interesting idea! Maybe not specifically for a bottle, but big, practical pockets are always a plus. I love functional details in clothing, so having a pocket where I could warm my hands or stash small essentials would be a must.

How often do you wear Estonian design in your daily life?

Lately, I’ve been paying more attention to products that are created in Estonia. I am consciously seeking out and wearing local brands. I also look for items that reflect sustainability and high-quality materials. Social media plays a big role in this—I follow people who showcase local designers and their products, and from there, I can explore their websites to discover something new.

When I’m in Estonia and have the time, I love visiting physical stores because nothing compares with feeling the fabric youself, experiencing its quality, and sensing the energy of the garment. Estonian design has something uniquely warm and homely about it—it’s not just merchandise; each piece has a story and a soul.

In winter sports, nature is always a huge part of the competition experience—do you also consider environment in your daily life? When choosing clothing for example?

Absolutely! I’ve become much more conscious of what I buy and consume. This applies to both food and clothing—it’s important to me that the products I choose are high-quality, durable, and sustainable. I like to think that everything I do and purchase reflects my values.

When it comes to clothing, I lean more toward slow fashion and local brands. My goal is to buy fewer items but invest in high-quality pieces that last and that I genuinely love wearing.

Professional sports can be tough and demanding. How do you balance femininity with the life of a professional athlete?

It’s important to me that I don’t define myself solely as an athlete. Sport is a part of me, but it doesn’t make up my entire identity. I strive for balance—to feel good, to be myself, and to express my personal style and femininity even within the sports world.

The outdated idea that an athlete has to be purely focused on sport and detached from other aspects of life is something I don’t believe in. I think I can be exactly who I want to be—I can feel great and still be a high-performance athlete giving my all. When I feel confident and true to myself, it gives me that necessary “game-on” mentality.

International Women’s Day is coming up—what does this day mean to you? Do you celebrate it in any way?

Women’s Day is important to me because it’s a time to reflect on how strong, versatile, and inspiring women are. It’s not just a day for flowers and chocolates—it’s a moment to truly appreciate the women around us and ourselves.

For me, it’s essential to feel like my true self—not just as an athlete, but as a woman and as a person with my own identity and values. Women’s Day is a great reminder that we don’t need to align with any predefined expectations of women—we can be strong, gentle, determined, and soft all at once, exactly as we choose to be.

Every day is an opportunity to find balance—whether through sports, conscious choices, or simply being in the moment. How do you find your balance?