Nordic Ski World Championships – Can German Cross-Country Skiers Reclaim Team Medals?

The German cross‐country skiing team has been one of the strongest contingents on the international stage. Building on their team medal success in Planica, the 15 athletes selected by the German Ski Federation (DSV) are now preparing for the upcoming World Championships in Trondheim. The focus is not only on team relays but also on individual performances, with Victoria Carl emerging as a realistic medal contender in her first individual World Championship race.

Recent World Cup races have shown that the German squad is evolving: while the team events continue to bring success, individual performances have improved significantly in both the men's and the women's fields. For example, Friedrich Moch has demonstrated his consistency by reaching the podium several times during the Tour de Ski – the first time in 15 years a German male skier has scaled the overall podium. Similarly, the women have seen breakthroughs; Laura Gimmler celebrated her first individual podium finish in a sprint race at Cogne, and Katharina Hennig has repeatedly shown her quality, even though health setbacks have interrupted her season.

The article also emphasizes the benefits of modern, individualized training methods. Coach Per Nilsson from Sweden has introduced advanced analytical tools which have helped tailor training to each athlete’s needs. This attention to detail is credited with boosting the performance depth of the team. While individual titles remain a coveted goal – with Victoria Carl expressing hopes for an individual medal if everything falls into place – the primary aim remains to capture team medals, a feat that the German squad has the potential to repeat in Trondheim.

As the championship approaches, the mood is one of cautious optimism. The athletes are focused and motivated, eager to build on their previous successes and make a strong statement on the world stage.