In the world of biathlon, where precision and endurance reign supreme, a seasoned athlete contemplates her future. Franziska Preuß, the Biathlon Crystal Globe winner, opens up about her aspirations, challenges, and the bond she shares with fellow biathlete Lou Jeanmonnot.
As the sun bathed Munich in its warm glow, 9,000 fans eagerly awaited the Loop One Festival. But, in a twist of fate, Preuß, the reigning champion, was notably absent due to a hand injury. The 31-year-old German, a veteran of the sport, could only watch from the sidelines, her competitive spirit yearning to be unleashed.
"I'm disappointed she couldn't be here. Her presence would have elevated the competition," Lou Jeanmonnot, the French biathlete, confided in Olympics.com. Preuß, ever the determined competitor, is gearing up for the World Cup, aiming for another flawless season.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Preuß, or Franzi to her biathlon family, has been contemplating her future in the sport. Retirement, a decision that many athletes face, has crossed her mind. Yet, she remains tight-lipped about her plans, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the upcoming Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Despite a glittering career adorned with World Championships medals, Preuß has an elusive goal: an individual Olympic medal. She came tantalizingly close in PyeongChang 2018, finishing fourth in the 15km individual event. But the Bavarian powerhouse is not one to settle, setting her sights on gold at Milano Cortina 2026.
When probed about her strategy, Preuß reveals a simple yet powerful approach: "Taking each step with 100% focus and energy." This mindset, a testament to her success, saw her dominate the previous season with 13 podium finishes out of 21 races. Unsurprisingly, she plans to stick to her winning formula, a testament to her unwavering belief in her methods.
Lou Jeanmonnot, Preuß's friend and rival, admires her resilience and skill. "I admire how she managed the entire season last year. It's a testament to our friendship," she said. Their rivalry, a thrilling spectacle, culminated in a nail-biting finish for the overall World Cup title, with Jeanmonnot's fall in Oslo proving costly. Yet, in a display of true sportsmanship, Preuß was there to console her, cementing their friendship over a post-race beer.
"We compete fiercely, but respect reigns off the track," Preuß affirms. As the 2025/2026 season unfolds, Preuß, having adapted her shooting technique due to a recent injury, is determined to bring her A-game. With time ticking towards the World Cup season opener in Östersund, Sweden, she's leaving no stone unturned in her preparation.
Preuß's journey is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of excellence. Will she achieve her Olympic dream? Only time will tell. And this is the part most people miss: should Preuß retire after Milano Cortina 2026, how will her legacy shape the future of biathlon? Share your thoughts below, and let's spark a conversation about the impact of athletes' decisions on their sports.
