Franziska Preuss burst onto the international biathlon scene at the first Youth Olympic Games at Innsbruck in 2012. The 17-year-old was the star of those Games, winning three Gold medals and a Silver medal. The next season, she won three medals at the IBU YJWCH and two more medals at the IBU OECH which were her final competitions at the junior level. Her quick rise through the ranks put her on the German Olympic Team in Sochi, which proved a disappointment for the young German, with a best result of 40th in the pursuit. Since then, she has matured, with four individual World Cup podiums and her first individual WCH medal, Silver in the 2015 mass start. That season, she won the small Crystal Globe in the mass start. Away from biathlon, Preuss enjoys spending time with friends and shopping.

*Preuss made her second Olympic Team in 2018, just missing a medal with 4th place in the 15K individual. *

How did you get into biathlon?
I started with biathlon after a trial lesson from Biathlon Camp Fritz Fischer. I got this present from my parents to my 15th birthday and it made so much fun that I started as a 'career changer' with the training group in Ruhpolding.

What is it about biathlon that makes it fascinating?

For me biathlon is fascinating because of the combination. You really have to give everything on the track and then you have to be totally focused on the shooting range to hit the targets. This makes it so exciting for me!

What was your best day in biathlon?
My best day in biathlon was the second place in the 2015 Mass Start at home in Ruhpolding. I will never forget the victory in the relay at the IBU World Championships in Kontiolahti.

Do you have a role model in biathlon?
There are a lot of athletes who have an extraordinary talent. The career of Martin and Ole Einar are definitely impressive for me.

If you were not a biathlete, who would you be?

I think pilot would be a really cool job.

Your biggest dream in biathlon?

I think the biggest dream of every athlete is to win an Olympic medal. My perfect day away from biathlon is…To spend the day with the people I love. Family and friends.

My favorite biathlon venue is…
Of course Ruhpolding, Canmore was really impressive this winter and Antholz.

Your favorite travel destination after the season?
I like to be at the beach in April. Thailand is a perfect destination for me!