“Like a second start to the season”
German biathlon star back in the squad
January 5, 2026 – 12:45 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Selina Grotian is one of Germany’s hopes for the Olympic Games. Most recently she was missing from the World Cup. Now the young top performer is returning.
Here we go again: In the new year, the best biathletes will start in Oberhof. From Thursday, the top performers in Thuringia want to prove themselves. There is good news from the German Ski Association (DSV), because Selina Grotian is returning to the squad.
The 21-year-old said in a statement from the association after recovering from the corona infection: “I’m glad that I’ve been able to train well again in the last few weeks. The illness ultimately lasted a little longer than initially thought or hoped. However, I’ve now been able to build up my form again, feel good at the moment and am looking forward to competing again.”
She decided to perform well and apply what she learned from training in competition. Grotian added: “For me it currently feels like a second start to the season, in a sense like a new beginning. I hope that everything goes well and that I can simply show good races.”
In Östersund, Grotian finished 11th in the relay at the start of the season and took 30th place in the sprint. She is considered one of the German medal hopefuls for the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Because Grotian is back, another German biathlete is no longer in the squad: Julia Kink. The also 21-year-old reached 41st place in the sprint in Annecy, took 42nd place in the pursuit and was already active in the Ibu Cup this season. There she will now have to prove herself again.
Just like two German men who recently took part in the World Cup. Sports director Felix Bitterling explained the step as follows: “Danilo Riethmüller and Simon Kaiser are going to the Ibu Cup at the Arber despite repeated good running performances, with the expectation of seeing a corresponding reaction there. In return, Lucas Fratzscher and Johannes Kühn are moving up to the World Cup team after strong performances in the Ibu Cup in December.” The open Olympic qualification also plays a central role.
“For all athletes who have not yet met the relevant criteria, the World Cups in Oberhof and Ruhpolding offer crucial opportunities. The final cut usually takes place after the last day of competition in Ruhpolding. Accordingly, it is now important to use the remaining opportunities and recommend yourself for the Olympic team,” concluded Bitterling.