Evaluating German Winter Sports Two Years Before the Olympics

As we reach the halfway point from Beijing to Milan, with the end of most winter sports seasons on the horizon, it’s time for a crucial evaluation in preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games in Northern Italy, scheduled from February 6 to 22, 2026. What’s working, what isn’t, and who are the athletes carrying hopes for success?

Biathlon: Navigating the Post-Doll Era

The German biathlon team is in a period of transition following the retirement of Benedikt Doll. Additionally, Denise Herrmann-Wick hung up her skis last winter, leaving a noticeable void that has yet to be filled consistently. There remains uncertainty in the men’s category regarding replacements for Doll, while the youth programs lag behind their female counterparts. Franziska Preuß, despite battling health issues, represents a hope for the future, alongside promising newcomer Selina Grotian, who at just 19 has already signaled her potential.

Rosy Outlook for Bobsled and Skeleton

Germany's bobsledders had an outstanding performance in Beijing, securing seven out of twelve possible medals. Looking ahead, Francesco Friedrich continues to reign supreme, with Johannes Lochner as a notable challenger. The women’s team, featuring Lisa Buckwitz, Laura Nolte, and Kim Kalicki, has also exhibited notable prowess. In skeleton, Olympian Christopher Grotheer is part of a strong squad, although concerns linger about the timely completion of the Cortina track.

Figure Skating: Volodin’s Dilemma

Amidst uncertainty, the stars of the German Skating Union (DEU) aim for a medal, albeit with apprehension. The duo of Minerva-Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin shows promise, yet Volodin’s lack of German citizenship poses eligibility issues for competing in Italy. Following the World Championships in Montreal, efforts are aimed at resolving integration hurdles.

Speed Skating: A Pressing Challenge

Despite being a seasoned athlete, Claudia Pechstein (52) is far from the top of the world standings, a situation that reflects the struggles of many German speed skaters. At the recent Individual Distances Championships, Germany’s best results were just two tenth places in Olympic events, underscoring a significant gap since the last individual Olympic medal in 2010. Short track events fared no better, with only one athlete qualifying for finals at the World Championships in Rotterdam.

Nordic Combined: The Challenge of Riiber

The fortunes of the Nordic combined team seem to have waned, marked by a winless World Cup season for the first time since 1998/99. Although considerable investment has been made, persistent weaknesses in jumping abilities have hindered progress. However, David Mach’s recent podium finishes provide a glimmer of optimism as they approach the 2025 World Championships in Trondheim. Coach Eric Frenzel must identify solutions rapidly.

Luge: A New Era Post-Loch

With the retirement of Bundestrainer Norbert Loch, a new chapter begins for the luge team. Patric Leitner takes the reins, guiding a robust team that includes Max Langenhan, a first-time World Cup champion, alongside veteran Felix Loch, who continues to fight for podiums. Julia Taubitz is also leading the women's team, suggesting a positive outlook for the upcoming Olympics.

Alpine Skiing: The Impact of Dürr and Straßer

If not for Lena Dürr and Linus Straßer, who both excelled in slalom events, the state of Alpine skiing would appear rather bleak, having contributed to nine podium placements with overall results trailing behind previous years. There remains a noticeable lack of strength in downhill skiing, particularly following the retirement of key athletes.

Ski Cross: Seeking Consistency

Despite Olympic bronze medalist Dana Maier facing challenges due to injury early this winter, Florian Wilmsmann holds promise for victory in the overall World Cup. While strong male competitors exist, they lack the consistent performances required to excel at the highest level.

Cross-Country Skiing: A Stronger Team Emerges

The current German cross-country ski team is its strongest since the early 2000s. Notably, Victoria Carl captured her first World Cup victory, and Katharina Hennig has proven herself capable of podium finishes, indicating growing depth among female competitors. With Friedrich Moch emerging as a world-class contender, the team aims for similar success in the 2026 Olympics.

Ski Jumping: Eisenbichler’s Return?

As the season concludes in Planica, Andreas Wellinger has delivered strong performances, although results have declined from earlier in the season. Young jumper Philipp Raimund shows promise, but the aging core of the team poses challenges for Olympic readiness.

Snowboarding: The Contenders

Ramona Hofmeister has surged ahead in the World Cup rankings, elevating expectations, yet Esther Ledecka remains a formidable competitor, bringing her consistent prowess from both snowboarding and alpine skiing to the forefront.

Source: SID