The German men’s biathlon team, buoyed by a recent bronze medal in the mixed relay, is targeting success in the upcoming sprint competition. Philipp Nawrath, celebrating his 32nd birthday, is a key focus as the team aims to build on their momentum. Despite challenges following Benedikt Doll’s retirement, Nawrath and his teammates are determined to perform against strong Norwegian competitors. Nawrath’s previous success in Lenzerheide boosts confidence, as he prepares for the ten-kilometer sprint event.
The German Men’s Biathlon Team Aims for Sprint Success at the World Championship
Following a promising bronze medal win in the mixed team event, the German men’s biathlon team is now focused on securing another medal in the upcoming sprint competition. The spotlight is particularly on Philipp Nawrath, who is celebrating his 32nd birthday.
On February 13, 2025, Nawrath was presented with a birthday cake adorned with three sparklers, courtesy of the team’s chef, Christian Schlösser. With a playful remark, Schlösser described the cake as the “gold cake with gold dust,” intended to motivate Nawrath. With a smile, Nawrath responded, “Then I know what I have to do,” showcasing his determination.
This light-hearted moment shared on social media reflects the optimism surrounding the German biathlon team as they prepare for their first individual event, the ten-kilometer sprint, on Saturday afternoon. Nawrath, currently the highest-ranked German athlete in the overall World Cup at 11th place, carries the hopes of the team. The atmosphere is buoyant, marking one of the most positive starts to a world championship in years, especially following their mixed relay podium finish.
Breaking the Drought: First Mixed Medal Since 2019
The German biathletes celebrated a significant achievement by clinching their first mixed relay medal since 2019. Nawrath joyfully referred to the bronze medal as a “nice early gift” on the eve of his birthday, emphasizing its importance for the team’s morale. He stated, “It’s fantastic that we achieved this, and it’s incredibly important for the team and my feeling.”
Sport director Felix Bitterling echoed Nawrath’s sentiments, noting, “We knew that at some point this mixed relay curse would be broken. That it happens now at the world championship is even more beautiful. It couldn’t start better.” This victory has shifted their mindset positively as they approach the upcoming competitions, expressing delight that they finally broke the medal drought.
Nawrath also shared his experiences in a special winter sports podcast, discussing his birthday, experiences with online negativity, and the aspects that can unsettle him.
Challenges for the Men’s Team Following Doll’s Retirement
Despite the positive momentum, the German men’s team has faced challenges this season, particularly after the retirement of Benedikt Doll last spring. Nawrath has stepped into a leadership role, but there is a noticeable gap in consistent performance among the other athletes. Currently, no other German competitor ranks in the top 15 of the world.
Shooting accuracy has been a recurring issue, though the team has typically excelled in running. Danilo Riethmüller secured a second-place finish in the mass start in Annecy, while Nawrath achieved third in the sprint at Kontiolahti. Alongside Nawrath, Justus Strelow and Philipp Horn will participate in the sprint, while Johannes Kühn will have to wait until the individual event on Wednesday to compete.
Northern Rivals: The Norwegian Contenders
Once again, the Norwegians are expected to dominate the competition, with Sturla Holm Lägreid leading the overall World Cup rankings. His fellow countryman, Johannes Thingnes Bö, is vying to become the sole record holder for the most gold medals at world championships, aiming for his 21st title. Currently, he shares the record with Ole Einar Björndalen. French biathletes Eric Perrot and Emilien Jacquelin are also in contention, having recently secured mixed relay gold.
Bitterling noted that it may take a day when the leading athletes like the Norwegians and French don’t perform at their peak for the Germans to capitalize on their opportunity. “Those days exist; they happen at every world championship. Our task is simply to be there on that day. Therefore, I go in positively,” he remarked.
The German team’s journey at the biathlon world championship commenced with a strong showing in the mixed relay, where they narrowly secured third place.
Nawrath’s Affinity for Lenzerheide
The heightened expectations for the women’s team, led by overall World Cup leader Franziska Preuß, may also bolster the men’s performance. Nawrath’s confidence is buoyed not only by his recent success but also by his previous strong showing in Lenzerheide, where he finished third in the sprint last year.
“A medal would be the absolute highlight – but in biathlon, a portion of luck is always part of it,” Nawrath acknowledged. Having recovered well from a recent illness, he is optimistic about his potential to secure a strong finish. “I know what I can achieve, and if I deliver that on the track, good placements are possible.” With the ‘gold dust’ cake from Christian Schlösser, he feels prepared for the challenges ahead.
Stay updated with the biathlon calendar, featuring all dates from the World Cup in Kontiolahti through to the championship in Lenzerheide and concluding with the season finale in Oslo.