Vanessa Voigt Prioritizes Mental Health: 'It's About Self-Protection'

Vanessa Voigt, a 26-year-old German biathlete, is openly addressing her mental health challenges as she gears up for the upcoming winter season. In a recent Instagram post, she candidly shared, "Normally, my channel would have weekly updates on my sports progress. However, the past weeks have been anything but progressive; it has been very hard. While some may call it a 'mental breakdown,' I prefer to see it as a necessary act of self-protection."

Voigt emphasized the stark contrast between the athlete celebrated in the media—those who delight in victories and endure defeats—and the individual behind the scenes coping with personal challenges. After undergoing shoulder surgery in 2020, she felt she had little time for reflection. Coming to terms with her current limitations has not been easy for her, yet she finds gratitude in the opportunity to rekindle her love for the sport.

With much work still ahead of her before the season kickoff in November, Voigt expressed her excitement to return to competition with renewed positivity. Her impressive track record includes a bronze medal with the relay team at the Beijing 2022 Olympics and a third-place finish at the 2023 World Championships in Nove Mesto. Although she has reached the individual World Cup podium three times, she remains determined to clinch her first victory.