As of: January 24, 2024, 4:47 a.m
By: Luca Hartmann
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In Ruhpolding, a German youngster raised hopes of a new star in the biathlon sky.
But instead of continuing to compete in the World Cup, the young athlete first has to go to school.
Ruhpolding/Antholz – She is considered the next great hope for Olympic victories and World Cup titles: Julia Tannheimer.
Even if the expectations of the big titles in the biathlon circus come far too early for the just 18-year-old, her debut in the World Cup still makes her want more.
After strong results in Ruhpolding, Tannheimer is now going back to school.
Biathlon hope Tannheimer with a strong debut in Ruhpolding
After convincing performances in the second-class IBU Cup, Tannheimer was able to prove himself in the big World Cup for the first time in Ruhpolding and impressed across the board.
In her sprint debut, she made no mistakes and finished 15th, which means she already met half the World Championship standard.
“It was really crazy – all along the way.
I was cheered on everywhere, you fly up the climbs, the fans are awesome,” summed up Tannheimer after the race.
She only made her debut at the Youth World Championships in 2022, and almost two years later she will be cheered on by thousands of fans at the home World Cup.
"I'm so happy.
“I’ve wanted this my whole life and I’m training all the time to experience it,” said Tannheimer.
The big surroundings, including the interview marathon after the race, are new territory for the Ulm native.
“I'm more excited now than before the race,” she admitted on ZDF in her first television interview.
Young hopeful Julia Tannheimer (right) also took a photo with star Johannes Thingnes Bø on her World Cup debut.
© Instagram / julia_tannheimer and IMAGO / CEPix
High school diploma instead of World Cup: Tannheimer back at school
Tannheimer is actually currently preparing for her upcoming high school diploma in her home country.
That's why she was no longer part of the squad at the following World Cup in Antholz.
“She will now concentrate on school again and then prepare for participation in the Junior World Championships,” said sports director Felix Bitterling from the German Ski Association (DSV).
At the event in Otepää, Estonia, Tannheimer is hoping for a similar number of medals as last year, when she won three gold medals.
In addition to good performances at the Junior World Championships and the World Cup, Tannheimer is also aiming for top performances in her school career.
“Of course the top priority is the Abitur.
I think she also wants to get a very, very, very good high school diploma.
And we want to support her so that she finishes school with the grade she wants,” emphasized women’s head coach Kristian Mehringer.
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In order for this to succeed, the youngster also depends on the support of her classmates.
“Luckily, I always get all the notes and study notes from my classmates.
When I’m at school, everyone helps me, especially with math,” Tannheimer admits with a smile.
By next winter at the latest, Tannheimer should be a regular member of the women's World Cup team.
Experts believe she will have a career similar to that of former biathlon stars Magdalena Neuner, Kathi Wilhelm and Denise Herrmann-Wick.
In any case, Mehringer is certain: “The future belongs to her.”
Things are currently less successful for another German biathlete who was left out of the DSV squad and is missing the World Cup.
(LuHa)