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German Olympic star is related to this biathlete
Updated November 6, 2025 – 8:54 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
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 ring in the biathlon world. This is mainly due to Olympic champion Arnd, but the name continues to appear on the start lists even after his career ended. Thanks to a distant relative from Canada.
Arnd Peiffer and Benita Peiffer are not only linked by their last name, but also by a family bond that links their biathlon careers in a special way. The two are related across multiple generations: they share the same great-great-grandfather. This relationship is often described as “third cousins”, although the exact term remains unclear.
Arnd and Benita’s grandfathers were cousins, and while Benita’s family emigrated to Canada, Arnd’s family remained based in Germany. Arnd Peiffer was born in Wolfenbüttel in Lower Saxony, while Benita comes from Canmore, Canada.
The two Peiffers were never together in the World Cup. “Unfortunately, Arnd and I missed each other’s World Cup by a year,” said Benita in an interview in 2021. 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 to each other, exchange ideas.” The two have known each other for years. “We have met a few times. We are in regular contact,” said Arnd, confirming the good relationship with his distant cousin.
The two Peiffers can continue to maintain this contact thanks to the sport of biathlon. Arnd works as a TV expert for ARD, while Benita fights for World Cup points on the cross-country ski trail and at the shooting range.