Para Biathlete Walter Wins WM General Rehearsal

Paralympic champion Leonie Walter has ignited hopes for a medal at the upcoming World Championships through her performance at the Biathlon World Cup in Val di Fiemme. The 21‐year‐old, competing in the visually impaired class with guide Christian Krasman, won the 7.5 km sprint by finishing 45.9 seconds ahead of China’s Wang Yue, after a flawless shooting round. Earlier in the pursuit race, she had secured second place despite three errors.

In addition, German para athletes achieved a total of seven podium finishes during the WM general rehearsal. Toptalent Linn Kazmaier, making her delayed season debut, finished sixth in the pursuit; Nico Messinger, with guide Robin Wunderle, took a third place in the visually impaired category; Marco Maier earned a second spot in the standing class; and Anja Wicker achieved two second-place finishes in the sitting category.

The Para Biathlon World Championships for disabled athletes are set to take place from February 6 to 9 on the Pokljuka tracks, following this weekend’s cross-country races in Val di Fiemme.