Team Germany is entering the first day of competition at the Paralympics in Beijing with ambitious goals. On Saturday (05.03.2022, from 3 a.m CET) there are twelve decisions in Para Alpine Skiing and Para Biathlon on the program. Which German athletes can hope for the podium?
Para Ski Alpin: Does Forster already grab it on the descent?
“Of course I’m here to win medals. And at least a gold medal has to be in there.”Anna-Lena Forster made no secret of her own claims before the Paralympic fire was lit in Beijing. “I feel mentally strengthened and I hope that I can be a cool sock in Beijing too”said the 26-year-old.
The descent offers the first opportunity for the reigning four-time world champion in monoskiing. On Xiaohaituo Mountain, the German flag-bearer meets those at the half a day after the opening ceremony WM Japanese Momoka Muraoka, who is still missing and also favored in Lillehammer. Also in good shape: Dutch rider Barbara van Bergen. “And I haven’t seen the probably strong Chinese competition since the pandemic began”adds Forster.
Para Alpine skiing: Rothfuss without pressure
Forster’s roommate and giant slalom specialist Andrea Rothfuss goes into the standing downhill without any pressure. The 13-times Paralympic medal winner did not finish on the podium in Lillehammer, but national coach Justus Wolf has recently observed an improving form of training: “We hope that she can improve in the race like in the past. Paralympics are known to write their own stories.”
Meanwhile, after surviving a cruciate ligament rupture, Noemi Ristau is happy to have made it – but the visually impaired athlete won’t be able to win a downhill medal.
Para Biathlon: Wicker and Feig want to be on the podium
In the women’s sitting class over six kilometers, Anja Wicker is aiming for a medal. The 30-year-old was with her training performance “very satisfied”. In the WM In Lillehammer, Wicker won sprint gold, among other things. “It would be great if she could build on that”, hopes national coach Ralf Rombach. The biggest competitors are Oksana Masters and Kendall Gretsch from the USA.
Despite the lack of consistency at the shooting range this season, flag bearer Martin Fleig is brimming with optimism and self-confidence: “I know what I’m capable of. I just have to pull it off”, emphasizes the 32-year-old individual Paralympic champion while sitting in Pyeongchang. However, the wind in Zhangjiakou plays a major role: “Especially when shooting, this is an issue where you have to work really meticulously.” But he likes the track “very good”.
Para Biathlon: Outsider chances for Maier and Walter
The 22-year-old Marco Maier (standing) and the visually impaired top talent Leonie Walter (18) reckon they have outsider chances over six kilometers. Maier sees an advantage in the cross-country ski run in particular: “The first kilometer is tough because it’s almost all uphill. After that, everything is nicely undulating. I can show off my size in the transitions.”