Biathlon Star Anna Gandler Becomes an Instagram Sensation

Biathlon Star Anna Gandler Becomes an Instagram Sensation

Originally published in Sport1 on October 23, 2024

Biathlon Star Anna Gandler Becomes an Instagram Sensation

Anna Gandler is the new face of Austrian biathlon. The young hopeful is not only pursuing significant achievements in her sport but is also keen on growing her follower count on social media. The 23-year-old aims to hit a remarkable milestone as she continues to attract fans online.

With five top-8 finishes in a row, Gandler has made a significant splash in the biathlon scene as the World Cup winter begins on November 30. She looks to solidify her position among the elite competitors.

However, for Gandler, it’s not just about achieving fast times and hitting targets; she is equally focused on increasing her audience.

Biathlon Talent as a Social Media Phenomenon

To achieve this, the biathlete is actively engaging on her social media channels. "For me, both sport and my social media presence are important and I have goals for both," Gandler stated during a media event in Salzburg.

She manages her profiles professionally and currently enjoys over 69,000 followers on Instagram. This gives her about 24,000 more followers than the top German biathlete last winter, Vanessa Voigt. Gandler has her eyes set on reaching 100,000 followers, a milestone that would put her in line with fellow biathlete Franziska Preuß.

To break through this barrier, Gandler entertains her fans with snapshots from her training and vacations, as well as amusing clips. Recently, she posted photos from her vacation in Malaga, where she aimed to recharge for the upcoming competitive season. Additionally, she showcased her athletic gear in a fashion show style on her social platform.

Balancing Sport and Instagram

While some athletes might view sharing their lives on social media as a chore, Gandler finds it to be an enjoyable aspect of being an athlete. "I really enjoy it," she emphasized. "Instagram and social media serve as a new form of advertising," and she recognizes the potential for personal branding.

Nevertheless, the focus will remain on her sport in the weeks ahead. As she prepares for the season opener in Kontiolahti, Finland, Gandler admitted to some concerns. The past weeks have not gone as planned, as she suffers from a weak immune system and feels she has been ill almost every month.

Still, Gandler hopes for a successful start to the new season. "I would like to kick off with a top-ten result," she stated decisively. Her ultimate goal is to reach the podium, an achievement that has thus far eluded her.