Franziska Preuß has made an inspiring comeback in biathlon, showcasing remarkable stability and resilience after contemplating retirement. Her triumphant performance at the World Cup in Hochfilzen, where she led Germany to its first victory in over four years, highlights her dedication and newfound physical awareness. Overcoming health challenges, including COVID, Preuß has emerged as a key figure in the German team, aiming for success at the upcoming World Championships while inspiring her teammates.
Franziska Preuß’s Remarkable Comeback
Not long ago, biathlete Franziska Preuß was weighing the possibility of retirement. However, this winter marks a transformative period for her, showcasing remarkable stability and an inspiring resurgence. Her newfound physical awareness has not only propelled her success but has also motivated her teammates.
A Triumphant World Cup Weekend
The recent World Cup weekend in Hochfilzen played out like a movie script. With the German flag waving proudly, Franziska Preuß sprinted towards the finish line, filled with joy as she embraced her ecstatic teammates. Her outstanding performance in the relay led the German biathletes to their first victory in years, marking a significant milestone in their journey.
It had been a long 1,429 days since the last triumph for the German team, which occurred on January 16, 2021, in Oberhof. During this time, Preuß faced numerous challenges and setbacks, including the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing, where she struggled to perform due to a COVID infection. The following year, continuous health issues forced her to cut her season short, missing the home World Championships.
Despite entering the past season with high hopes, another bout with COVID caused her to lose the yellow jersey early on after a strong start. Arriving at the World Championships in Nove Mesto as Germany’s top medal contender, Preuß left disappointed yet again. In March, she made the tough decision to end her season early, realizing that a change was necessary. This led her to undergo a sinus procedure to boost her overall resilience, which has proven to be a turning point.
At the World Cup opener in Kontiolahti, Preuß showcased her impressive early season form, achieving fifth, fourth, and third places in individual races. More importantly, she successfully overcame a minor infection that had previously sidelined her from the first relay. Her recent performances in Hochfilzen were a testament to her hard work. In the sprint, she celebrated a long-awaited second World Cup victory, despite a missed shot, highlighting her resilience and determination.
Reflecting on her journey, Preuß shared, “I would have preferred to avoid many sufferings. The decision to have the procedure done was the key.” She dedicated the summer to rigorous training, making few compromises and listening to her body. “Now I’m being rewarded for all the hard work,” she remarked.
Preuß’s running abilities have shone brightly in recent competitions, with her “really good legs” not only securing her the yellow jersey but also boosting her confidence. In Hochfilzen’s pursuit, she clinched a podium spot, inspiring her teammates, including Vanessa Voigt, who came in second, and their younger colleagues Selina Grotian and Julia Tannheimer, who contributed to the relay victory.
Since the retirement of Olympic champion Denise Herrmann-Wick, Preuß has emerged as the backbone of the German team. With her consistent performances and mental support for younger athletes, she has become a key figure. Now with 253 World Cup starts under her belt, Preuß knows the pressures of competition, including the challenges of wearing the yellow jersey.
With a lighthearted approach, she admitted that despite the added pressure, it felt “just as hard as with a normal number.” She focused on maintaining a positive mindset, avoiding overthinking her situation. It appears that Franziska Preuß has struck the perfect balance of joy, consistency, and health, positioning herself as a strong contender for World Championship medals this winter.
Women’s head coach Kristian Mehringer echoes this sentiment, noting that Preuß is in the prime of her career and remains composed even in challenging situations. “We have seen her potential for many years. She is not yet at her peak, but we are working towards that for the World Championships,” he stated.
As the season culminates in February in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, Preuß aims to secure her second individual World Championship medal, the first being silver in the mass start in 2015 in Kontiolahti. With a solid season start behind her, remaining injury-free and healthy is crucial. Preuß is determined to continue being a driving force in the talented yet youthful German women’s team, striving to ensure that it doesn’t take another 1,429 days to celebrate their next relay victory.