Athletic Hammer in Germany's Female Biathlon Squad

The German Biathlon Championships have set the stage for an exciting upcoming season, with some standout performances that could significantly impact participation in upcoming World Cups.

In a thrilling individual race, Janina Hettich-Walz, who returned to the Biathlon scene after a maternity break, claimed victory in the shortened 12.5km event. Hettich-Walz, who had to complete a penalty lap during the race, beat overall World Cup winner Franziska Preuß by an impressive 27 seconds.

Hettich-Walz's triumph comes after missing the 2024/25 season due to pregnancy. Her return to the Biathlon scene has been nothing short of remarkable, as she has proven herself worthy of World Cup qualification with this victory.

Among the men, Philipp Horn defended his title in the 15km individual race. Despite a fall and four shooting errors, Horn managed to secure the win, demonstrating his resilience and determination. Lucas Fratzscher and Justus Strelow completed the podium in the men's race.

Vanessa Voigt, another Biathlon athlete, impressed on her return from health issues. Finishing third with no shooting errors, Voigt's gap to the leader was 1:43 minutes, indicating she is slowly regaining her previous form.

The German Championships continue this weekend with sprint and pursuit races. These crucial races will determine World Cup qualification for the upcoming season. Biathlon fans can look forward to these races, as they will play a significant role in determining participation in international competitions, including the highly anticipated Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, taking place from February 6-22, 2026.