Denise Herrmann-Wick turned the home World Cup into a biathlon party. But what happens when the star stops at some point? The prospects for the future oscillate between hope and concern.
Gold heroine Denise Herrmann-Wick fled the bad weather in Oberhof after the last big party. The savior of the German biathletes longed for rest and relaxation with her loved ones in her adopted home of Ruhpolding. At the Rennsteig, the “mom” of the team embellished the balance sheet with her medal frenzy, she outshined some problems as a shining light – but at 34 years of age she won’t do that forever. Looking to the future therefore oscillates between hope and concern.
How quickly could a possible hole after Herrmann-Wick be plugged? “Of course it can work like with a Magdalena Neuner or Laura Dahlmeier, that there is a relatively smooth transition to the junior area. Of course, you always want that, then you have a new superstar again,” said women’s coach Kristian Mehringer. But it is important to “keep the ball low” in Germany. Especially for the men who were already without a medal in Oberhof, there is no sign of a breakthrough.
It is important to “overcome a small dent”, emphasized national coach Mark Kirchner. You have to be realistic and admit “that we need two or three years until we get the next ones up from below,” added sporting director Felix Bitterling. However, she does not look “so worried” about the future, Dahlmeier told the “SID”. There might then no longer be “this one top performer”. “But as a team we are quite well positioned.”
Dahlmeier hopes for an upswing thanks to the World Cup
For women, the situation is “friendlier” anyway, according to Mehringer. Already at the World Cup, Sophia Schneider and Hanna Kebinger showed “at the ideal time” with their 25 years. “Those who are supposed to take over at some point are slowly sneaking up on them,” said Bitterling. In addition to Lisa Spark (22), all those responsible and experts think highly of Selina Grotian (18), who recently won a complete set of medals at the adult European Championship.
It’s about not wasting these talents, but “bringing them towards the top of the world in a targeted manner,” explained Mehringer: “We’re very well positioned there. There are a few who look very good.” Dahlmeier generally hopes for an “upturn” through the home World Cup. There could now be a small biathlon boom again because people have seen what “a great sport” it is.
This is particularly important for men. The juniors are usually “too far away in terms of running” when they reach the DSV system, complained Bitterling. A newly created trainer task force, which supports bases and state trainers, is intended to ensure improvements. “But some things take a little longer,” emphasized Kirchner. The German biathlon fans will certainly have to wait a little longer for new stars, at least among the men.