Biathlon World Championships: Franziska Preuß, Pressure and the Silver Medal

At the Biathlon World Championships in Lenzerheide, Franziska Preuß delivered a remarkable performance under pressure. After a long wait of ten years since her last individual medal (a silver in the mass start at Kontiolahti in 2015), the 30‐year‐old biathlete finally demonstrated that she can perform at her season’s peak. Despite challenging conditions – with heavy snowfall and gusty winds at the shooting range – Preuß remained calm and composed. DSV sports director Felix Bitterling praised her ability to be the steady ‘umbrella’ over the women’s team, noting how her relaxed demeanor and self‐trust helped her overcome the difficulties of the race.

The article explains that this level of mental strength is not accidental. Preuß has spent hours working on her mindset, even engaging with a mental coach to convert pressure into a source of motivation. Before the start, she focused on the simple joy of being able to compete, which translated into a serene and confident launch as she stepped from the start gate. In a nail-biting final leg, her decisive risk-taking – a true ‘top or flop’ approach – allowed her to finish just 0.2 seconds behind the winner. This race recalled previous moments when she lost by mere tenths of a second to competitors like Lisa Vitozzi, Lou Jeanmonnot, and Justine Braisaz-Bouchet.

Franziska Preuß’s silver medal not only marks a personal triumph but also lifts the spirit of the entire German team. With the burdens of close losses in past races now alleviated, she feels lighter and ready to tackle upcoming challenges at the highest level of international biathlon competition. Her story serves as a powerful example of how hard work, proper mental preparation, and the ability to transform pressure into performance can lead to success on the world stage.