Franziska Preuß: Finding Serenity Amidst the Biathlon Blizzard
It's a familiar story: a top athlete, a looming Olympic Games, and the weight of expectations. But for German biathlete Franziska Preuß, the narrative is more nuanced, a testament to resilience and the pursuit of inner peace. In an exclusive interview with Olympics.com, the Crystal Globe winner opens up about her future in the sport, her recipe for success, and her unique relationship with fellow biathlete Lou Jeanmonnot.
(Image: A photo of Franziska Preuß by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images, taken in 2025)
A Season of Anticipation and Uncertainty
The setting was Munich's Olympic Park, where a crowd of 9,000 enthusiastic fans gathered for the biathlon Loop One Festival on a sunny October day. The atmosphere was electric, yet a key figure was missing: Franziska Preuß, sidelined by a hand injury. This absence was keenly felt, especially by her friend and rival, French biathlete Lou Jeanmonnot, who expressed her disappointment to Olympics.com.
Preuß, however, is far from out of the game. While she couldn't compete in Munich, she plans to be a major presence when the World Cup season kicks off. Her goal? Another perfect season. But with the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games on the horizon, and the possibility of this being her final season, the stakes are higher than ever.
The Olympic Dream and the Quest for Gold
Preuß, known as "Franzi" to her peers, has spent the summer contemplating her future. She's keeping her cards close to her chest, delaying any retirement decisions until after the Olympics. This focus on the Games is understandable, especially considering her past Olympic experiences. Despite her impressive collection of World Championship medals, an individual Olympic gold has eluded her. She came agonizingly close at PyeongChang 2018, finishing fourth in the 15km individual event, and she earned a relay bronze at Beijing 2022. Now, she's determined to secure that elusive individual gold at Milano Cortina 2026.
Her approach to the upcoming season is simple: "Just going step by step, and taking each step with 100 per cent of focus and energy." This strategy has served her well, as evidenced by her 13 podium finishes in 21 races last season. She plans to stick with what has worked, making no major changes to her routines or tactics.
Friendship and Rivalry: The Bond with Lou Jeanmonnot
Preuß's relationship with Lou Jeanmonnot adds another layer of intrigue. Jeanmonnot praised Preuß for her performance last season, highlighting their mutual respect. Their rivalry is fierce, with the overall World Cup title coming down to a nail-biting finish. Jeanmonnot ultimately lost the title due to a fall in the final World Cup in Oslo. Preuß was among the first to comfort her. They shared a beer after the competition, solidifying their friendship. As Preuß stated, "We are always rivals during the races, but that doesn’t prevent us from being respectful to each other off the track.”
Finding Calm in the Chaos
To be ready for the upcoming season, Preuß needs to be in top form when the World Cup begins in Östersund, Sweden, on November 29. She is recovering from an injury sustained during the German Championships. But she's no stranger to overcoming obstacles. She has learned to adapt and persevere through injuries and illnesses throughout her career. "I have learnt over the years to develop some kind of serenity," she says, a testament to her mental fortitude.
A Season of Hope
With the World Cup season and the Olympics on the horizon, Preuß is approaching the season with confidence and optimism. She is aiming to build towards a memorable Olympic climax.
What do you think? Will Preuß achieve her Olympic dream? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! Is it possible to be both a fierce competitor and a good friend?
