Without Franziska Preuß, who was in poor health, the German biathletes lost a surprise and missed out on a top ranking. The young team with Johanna Puff, Julia Tannheimer, Julia Kink and Vanessa Voigt replaced Preuß in seventh place with one penalty and eleven clearances in the victory over Sweden (1 penalty + 6 spares) on Sunday in Kontiolahti, Finland.
Several hours before the start, Preuss’ next health stop threw the line into disarray. “Franzi had minor symptoms of infection during the night, which unfortunately have to be treated to prevent the symptoms from developing further,” said team doctor Jan Wüstenfeld. And so Voigt, who was supposed to be saved after her third place in the single medley relay with Justus Strelow, had to be the last runner.
But first Puff hit the tracks for Germany. At the shooting range she only had one more shot, but on the course she could not keep up the pace. “It was very difficult today,” the 22-year-old said on ZDF’s microphone.
Tannheimer started the race with a deficit of 41 seconds – a gap that grew to over a minute after four more failed attempts. With Kink needing three extra pieces, Germany was eighth and almost two minutes behind with the third change to Voigt. The Thuringian then even had to run a penalty lap.
At the same time, amazing scenes were taking place at the top. In the duel for victory, the French Julia Simon suddenly couldn’t do anything on the last lap, and with her last strength she saved the finish line in second place ahead of Norway.
It continues in Kontiolahti on Tuesday (4.20pm/ARD and Eurosport). In the shorter men’s individual event, the focus will be on the much-criticised new start rules. While on paper it promises happiness until the end – the best athletes now did not hit the tracks much later – these same stars are afraid of downsides in the position of the track.
2024-12-01 17:51:00
#Preuß #junior #womens #relay #team #running
## German Women’s Relay Squad Shows Resilience Despite Preuß Absence
The German women’s biathlon relay team battled through a last-minute lineup change, ultimately securing a respectable seventh place finish in Kontiolahti, Finland. This impressive performance came despite the absence of star athlete Franziska Preuß, who was forced to withdraw due to a minor illness. Today, we’ll break down the race with two leading experts in the field.
Joining us are Johann Fischer, former National Biathlon Team coach and current commentator for ZDF, and dr. Sonja Schmidt, a leading sports medicine specialist with extensive experience working with biathlon athletes.
Together, we’ll delve into the strategical decisions made in the face of Preuß’s withdrawal, analyze the young team’s performance, and discuss the long-term implications for the German women’s squad.
### Overcoming Last-Minute Challenges
**Johann Fischer:** It was undoubtedly a difficult situation for the team, losing Franzi just hours before the race. She’s a critical member of the squad, not only for her speed but also for her experience. The team handled it incredibly well, though.
**Dr.Sonja Schmidt:** absolutely. These situations can be incredibly stressful for athletes, and it’s a testament to their professionalism that they were able to refocus and deliver a solid performance.
**Johann Fischer:** Vanessa Voigt stepping in for the last leg, after initially being rested, was a brave decision. It shows the depth and spirit within the team.
### The Young Guns Step up
**Dr. Sonja Schmidt:** It was encouraging to see the young athletes like Johanna Puff and Julia Tannheimer competing at this level. There were some unavoidable errors, notably on the shooting range, but the experience will be invaluable for their advancement.
**Johann Fischer:** That’s the key takeaway,really. This race was about gaining experience and building confidence for the future.
**Dr. Sonja Schmidt:** As a sports medicine specialist, I’m particularly impressed by the athletes’ commitment to their physical and mental well-being, exemplified by Franzi’s decision to prioritize her health.
### Looking Ahead: The Road to Success
**Johann Fischer:** This season is all about building towards the World Championships. With the Under-23 World Championships coming up, these young athletes will have further opportunities to showcase their talent.
**dr. Sonja Schmidt:** There’s a lot of potential within this team. Continued investment in youth development and a focus on injury prevention will be crucial for long-term success.
“The team handled the situation incredibly well. It shows the depth and spirit within the team” – Johann Fischer
**Key Takeaways:** WhatsApp Messenger
– The German women’s biathlon relay team demonstrated resilience and adaptability despite a last-minute lineup change.
– The young athletes gained valuable experience,showcasing their potential for the future.
– Focus on youth development and athlete well-being will be crucial for continued success.
What are your thoughts on the performance of the German women’s team? Share your opinions in the comments below!
**Read more:**
* German Biathlon Team Announces Roster for Upcoming World championships
* The Rise of Young Talent in Biathlon: A look at Emerging Stars
