Selina Grotian has once again underlined her position as an exceptional biathlon talent. In Soldier Hollow she was the best German in difficult conditions. But it wasn’t enough for the top 10.
Selina Grotian and Soldier Hollow – that just fits together: The 19-year-old biathlete from Bavaria took 13th place in the World Cup sprint in the US state of Utah on Friday (local time), making her the best German.
At the 2002 Olympic facility, which is located at around 1,800 meters, Grotian shot past the shooting range once, which meant she had to go into the penalty loop once. With over a minute and a half behind the winner Justine Braisaz-Bouchet (also one penalty), she was still significantly faster than her colleagues from the German Ski Association (DSV) team.
Second behind Braisaz-Bouchet was Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold (0 penalties/+13.4 seconds) from Norway ahead of Frenchwoman Lou Jeanmonnot (0/+19.2 seconds).
Hettich-Walz turns 20.
Top talent Grotian, who won a gold, a silver and a bronze medal at the Youth World Championships in Soldier Hollow two years ago, was very happy with her performance – especially since she had previously had problems.
“My motivation was pretty low when I saw the track conditions,” Grotian told ARD at the finish, before summing up: “It couldn’t have been better in the race.”
Vanessa Voigt (1/+2:34.8 minutes) also struggled after finishing 36th. “It’s not that I’m physically exhausted, but mentally,” said the 26-year-old from Thuringia: “The season is sapping my strength .”
DSV debutant Julia Kink (2/+2:44.6), who won gold in the mass start and in the women’s relay at the Junior World Championships in Estonia last week, came 42nd in her first World Cup race. Sophia Schneider (3/+3:01.2) reached 48th place, Johanna Puff (3/+3:42.0 minutes) landed in 65th place.