Antholz-born father and daughter Hannah and Armin Auchentaller are both in Milano Cortina 2026, although one is competing for Italy and the other is coaching team USA.

Hannah and Armin Auchentaller are sharing a unique experience during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. The Antholz-resident family are living a dream to be together on home ground as the biathlon competitions are taking place in the venue where both have built their dreams in sport. The peculiarity of their situation is that while Hannah is competing for Italy, father Armin is the head coach of the US team.

“It’s not something that happens every day,” admitted a radiant Hannah on a sunny day in Antholz: “I’m really happy to be here, it’s a dream come true. This is the place where I grew up and learnt to ski. I’m trying to enjoy every moment and every second and take in everything.”

“It gives me such satisfaction to see the Olympic Winter Games here,” added Armin: “It was a dream hidden away in a drawer. It has closed the circle that my father started when he worked on the construction of this venue. I continued here as an athlete and a coach, in a lot of roles, and now my daughter is competing here. I will feel the vibes of this Olympics for another 50 years.”

The family bond between them is what makes this situation even more special even if they are technically rivals once the competition starts.

“He’s not an extra coach for me, he’s my dad and I think that it is good this way,” explained Hannah: “It is important to have your family, and not extra people coaching you. It is important to share certain emotions with your family and not your coach, so it’s good it is strictly separated.”

“I separate the roles in a very clear manner,” added Armin: “I am here as a coach for my team, though if Hannah comes to me and asks for something I can give a tip as a coach. However, as soon as we are together, I am her father, not a coach.”

Yet, the role Armin had and still has for Hannah is something she cherish greatly.

“He has had a huge influence on me as a biathlete and as a person. The things that represent him as a coach reflect him in real life,” she shared. “He is a kind soul, but ambitious and there are a lot of things I admire about him.”

“The best thing about Hannah is that she is true to herself, a sincere and honest person, with great social skills,” said Armin.

“I like our small rituals and just being out and about with him,” she concluded: “and the fact he simply appreciates me for who I am.”