German Biathlon Team Opens World Championships with Bronze
Lenzerheide, Switzerland – The German biathlon team has commenced the World Championships in the Swiss town of Lenzerheide with a resounding success, securing a bronze medal in the mixed relay competition. The team, comprising Selina Grotian, Franziska Preuß, Philipp Nawrath, and Justus Strelow, earned Germany its first medal in this event in six years.
The biathletes performed admirably throughout the race, despite incurring eleven penalty loops. However, their exceptional skiing and shooting skills proved sufficient to propel them to the podium, finishing behind only France and the Czech Republic.
Notably, this achievement marks a significant milestone for Preuß, the current World Cup leader. The 30-year-old has now amassed eight World Championship medals, while her three teammates have earned their first podium finishes at this level.
Preuß, who has consistently performed at the highest level throughout the season, expressed her delight at the team’s success. "It’s an incredible feeling to start the World Championships with a medal," she said. "We worked incredibly hard for this, and it’s a testament to the determination and teamwork of our entire squad."
Nawrath, who made his World Championship debut in Lenzerheide, echoed Preuß’s sentiments. "It’s a dream come true," he said. "I never expected to win a medal at my first World Championships. It’s a moment I’ll cherish forever."
Strelow, the youngest member of the team, also expressed his gratitude for the support of his teammates and the German biathlon community. "I’m so thankful for this opportunity," he said. "I couldn’t have done it without the guidance and encouragement of my fellow biathletes."
Grotian, the lone female member of the team, praised the collective effort that led to the bronze medal. "We’re a close-knit group, and we support each other through thick and thin," she said. "Today, we showed the world what we’re capable of, and I’m incredibly proud of everyone."
The German team’s success in the mixed relay has set a positive tone for the remainder of the World Championships. The biathletes will now turn their attention to the individual events, where they hope to continue their medal-winning form.
The World Championships in Lenzerheide will conclude on 19 March, and the German team will be eager to add to their medal tally and solidify their position as one of the world’s leading biathlon nations.
