Few athletes shine in para biathlon quite like Anja Wicker. Competing in the sitting category, the German athlete is a Paralympic champion, World Cup winner, and one of the true stars of the discipline. Always recognizable by her constant smile and admired for her professionalism, she has become an ambassador of para biathlon, embodying both excellence on the tracks and the spirit of the sport.

Wicker’s journey in para biathlon began with a stunning highlight: a gold medal at her very first Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi in 2014. Still new to elite competition, she could hardly have imagined a better debut—a dream start to her international career. Many athletes might have struggled to handle such early success, but for Wicker, it became the spark for a career that continues to shine a decade later.

“That medal showed me that I could do it,” she recalls. “Before, I wasn’t sure if I could compete with the best. Winning gold gave me the motivation to keep going and to want more.”

That breakthrough was the foundation of a career defined by consistency. Wicker has since become a fixture on the World Cup podium, collecting medals season after season and proving that reliability is often as valuable as speed or strength.

A Season to Remember

The 2024/25 winter confirmed her status at the top of the sport. Wicker did not miss the podium in a single race, collected three medals at the World Championships in Pokljuka, and secured the overall Crystal Globe in the sitting category—already her fifth overall World Cup title.

The women’s sitting field may be small, and Wicker is clear about the challenges that come with it. “Of course, it’s not ideal. I enjoy big starting fields—more competitors make the races more exciting and fun to watch. But para biathlon is demanding; finding new athletes in our category has always been tricky. It takes years to become competitive,” she explains.

Despite the limited numbers, the level of competition is remarkably high, with rivals such as Kendall Gretsch, a strong Chinese team, and Korea’s promising Yunji Kim. The possible return of Oksana Masters will raise the bar even further. Wicker welcomes the challenge: “Next year it’s going to be incredibly strong, which is exciting. I look forward to competing against the best at the Milano Cortina Games.”

Stability as a Strength

Wicker’s rivals often name her as the most consistent athlete in the field. She agrees that stability is her hallmark. “I’ve always been a consistent athlete. There are ups and downs, but I’ve managed to remain strong both on the track and at the shooting range. That’s been the basis of my success.”

Part of Wicker’s sustained success is Germany’s professional para biathlon structure. Regular television coverage and solid federation support provide athletes with the opportunity to train year-round under the guidance of expert coaches. “We’re in a good position compared to other nations,” she admits. “Most of our funding comes from our federation, which might have more resources than others. We also don’t struggle with recruitment since we have many young athletes. The current generation is strong, and even younger athletes are coming through, so the future looks promising for Germany.”

Away from sport, Wicker describes herself simply as someone who values the same things as everyone else: time with family and friends, travel, books, and relaxation. Her personal website—maintained with her father’s help—keeps supporters updated throughout the season. “It’s a way for me to stay close to people who want to follow my journey,” she says.

Looking Ahead

Like many athletes, Wicker frames her career around the Paralympic cycle, with Milano Cortina 2026 in sight. But she has no plans to stop there.

“I’m having as much fun now as I did on my first day in the sport. I can’t imagine that Cortina will be the end of my career. I think I’ll continue for at least a few more years.”

Photos: Krystek|IBU