Biathlon talent Hendrik Rudolph announced the end of his career at the age of 21. It is already clear how the Thuringian native will continue professionally.
“After almost 15 years in winter sports, I am ending my career as an active biathlete today. It was an incredibly beautiful time that I will certainly never forget,” Rudolph wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday, in which he also posted some photos shared his active career.
The biathlon youngster, who had to take several forced breaks last summer due to illness, added: “I would like to thank everyone who has accompanied me on my way. My coaches, my family, my friends and sponsors. Thank you for the great time, the many moments and experiences that I was able to have during this time and that I was also able to experience with you.”
It is now time for him “to break new ground and maybe watch one or the other race from the sidelines,” says Rudolph, who is a report by “inSüdthüringen.de” is now moving professionally to a sporting goods manufacturer in the private sector.
Junior Biathlon World Champion Relay 2019
Rudolph was one of the greatest German biathlon hopes for young talent. In 2019 in Brezno-Osrblie he was crowned youth world champion in the relay together with Darius Lodl and Hans Köllner.
Rudolph has been training in the Oberhof group under national coach Mark Kirchner for several years. Erik Lesser, who has since also retired, was his companion there for a long time.
The 34-year-old double world champion from 2015 was also Rudolph’s great role model.
Ex-biathlon star speaks up emotionally
Former biathlete Alexander “Ali” Wolf, who was also one of the young athlete’s idols, reacted in emotional words to his retirement announcement on Facebook.
“I was able to take my first steps as a trainer with you and I enjoyed inspiring you and the other ‘wild youngsters’ for the sport and shaping them a little! It was a great time and be proud of what you have achieved have,” wrote Wolf.