Franziska Hildebrand is probably the best-formed German biathlete. However, she will probably not be allowed to take part in the Olympic Games. A painful setback.
“I’m hoping for a loophole, but I don’t really believe in it,” said a visibly disappointed Franziska Hildebrand in an interview with t-online after finishing 15th in the individual competition in Antholz. Hildebrand is probably the best-formed German biathlete at the moment. She was the best German in Ruhpolding in the sprint (17th) and in the pursuit (20th).
In all likelihood, it will not be enough for the Olympics. As the 34-year-old announced on Instagram, there was a misunderstanding about the Olympic qualification. Accordingly, Hildebrand thought that she could still work out a starting place for Beijing with good competitions at the last World Cup before the Olympics in Antholz.
Tips from the Olympic champion – Uschi Disl: You shouldn’t miss this at the Olympics
Tips from the Olympic champion
Uschi Disl: You can’t miss that at the Olympics
The best athletes compete against each other at the Olympic Winter Games in Beijing. The former Olympic champion Uschi Disl tells in the t-online interview which disciplines should not be missed this time. more
But this is not the case. The DSV had to announce the squad for the games during the week. Instead of Hildebrand, Anna Weidel, who finished 26th in the individual on Friday, is going to Beijing.
Hildebrand meets half the Olympic standard
It is all the more bitter for Hildebrand that she has even reached half the Olympic standard with 15th place in the individual. “The fact that the form is getting better and better makes it even more difficult for me to accept the whole thing,” said the native of Halle.
Hildebrand is satisfied with the first race in Antholz, even though she wasn’t able to achieve her best performance in the standing position. “This is also due to the whole situation, I currently have all sorts of things on my mind,” said Hildebrand, and further: “The whole Olympic story is very, very difficult for me. Especially when I see how the season started and I’m getting better and better now.”
DSV star sadly looks into the arena
After the interview, Hildebrand let her emotions run free. On the way out of the mixed zone, she started to cry a few tears. Before she made her way into the catacombs, the German biathlete stood by the stairs for ten seconds, stared blankly at the Antholz South Tyrol Arena and wiped a few tears from her face.
Their performance improvement is not rewarded with participation in the Olympic Games. “For the last two years I’ve muddled my way out of the doldrums and it’s just not rewarding.” Unless the loophole she mentioned opens up.