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German Olympic star is related to this biathlete
21.03.2025 – 11:16 a.m.Reading time: 2 min.
Arnd Peiffer is one of the most successful German biathletes in history. He has a very special relationship with a woman from the World Cup.
The name Peiffer has a special sound in the biathlon world. This is mainly due to Olympic champion Arnd, but even after his career end, the name continues to appear on the starting lists. Thanks to a distant relative from Canada.
Arnd Peiffer and Benita Peiffer not only combine the last name, but also a family band that links their biathlon careers in a special way. The two are related over several generations: they share the same great UR-UR grandfather. This relationship is often described as the “cousin third degree”, even if the exact name remains unclear. The grandfathers of Arnd and Benita were cousins, and while Benita’s family emigrated to Canada, Arnd’s family remained in Germany. Arnd Peiffer was born in Wolfenbüttel/Lower Saxony, while Benita comes from Canadian Canmore.
Together in the World Cup, the two Peiffers were never on the road. “Unfortunately, Arnd and I missed the World Cup for a year,” said Benita 2021 in an interview. While Arnd ended his successful active career in March 2021, Benita only entered the World Cup in the 2021/22 season.
“Arnd is a role model for me and he always helps me,” said Benita. “We write together, exchange ideas.” The two have known each other for years. “We have met a few times. There is regular contact,” said Arnd, the good relationship with his removed cousin.
The two Peiffers can continue to maintain this contact thanks to the biathlon sport. Arnd is used as a TV expert for the ARD, while Benita is fighting in the trail and at the shooting range for global Cup points.