Podest far away: German Biathlon Team not yet in shape - German biathlon team’s Olympic hopes dim after shaky season start
{"headline": "Podest far away: German Biathlon Team not yet in shape", "teaser": "Podest far away: German Biathlon Team not yet in shape", "kicker": "Podest far away: German Biathlon Team not yet in shape", "publication_date": "2025-12-07T15:31:25+00:00", "keyword_names": "worldcup, olympics, sweden, podium, östersund, felix bitterling, women, seasonstart, men, zdf, philipp horn, pragmatic optimism, vanessa voigt, janina, austria, biathlon, winter sports, worldcup, sweden, germany, international, sports", "article_body": "The German biathlon team has struggled at the start of the season, failing to secure any podium finishes or top-six results. With the Olympics approaching, concerns are growing as both the men’s and women’s squads face their weakest season opener in years.
The women’s team recorded their worst start in six years, while the men missed the podium for the first time since 2021/22. Vanessa Voigt and Janina Hettich-Walz provided rare bright spots with two top-ten finishes in the pursuit. Philipp Nawrath also secured his Olympic place with 13th in the men’s pursuit.
The team now has limited time to address its weaknesses before the Olympic competition begins. Stronger shooting and consistency will be crucial if they hope to reverse their early-season struggles. The next races in Austria will serve as a key test of their progress."}
