The next coaching domino in the Biathlon World Cup has fallen: After saying goodbye to the US team, Armin Auchentaller from Antholz has found a new job. His commute to work is now significantly shorter.
A few hours after the German Biathlon Association presented a new coaching team on Monday, the Slovenians also announced the arrival of a new person in charge. After more than a decade on the US team, Armin Auchentaller, father of the Italian biathlete Hannah, is moving to the team of Jakov Fak, Anamarija Lampic and Co.
“In the end it was just a gut feeling. Slovenia is close to my home and I’ve heard a lot of good things about the team. I have a very positive feeling about this decision,” said the 54-year-old, explaining his move to the Slovenian team, which repeatedly shows its potential, but has not yet been able to permanently establish itself among the world’s best.
Biathlon coach takes over both professional teams
Slovenia’s biathlon director Tomas Globočnik explained that his association had discussions with several coaches, but ultimately decided on the South Tyrolean for good reasons. “We decided that Armin was the right decision for our team. We found out about his coaching past, his successes and, above all, his experience.”
What ultimately spoke in favor of Auchentaller: In the USA he was in overall charge in recent years and looked after both the women’s and men’s teams. He is now supposed to take on exactly this job in Slovenia. Former biathlete Rok Tršan will work directly at his side. He is promoted from head coach of the youth department to new assistant coach.
“We want to network our entire biathlon system, also in connection with the individual clubs, in order to establish a clear work area. Armin has gained valuable experience in this area in the US team,” said Globočnik, explaining why the South Tyrolean ultimately got the contract.
