Herrmann-Wick optimistic ahead of the start of the season
Sprint world champion Denise Herrmann-Wick has high hopes for her successors in the new biathlon winter.
"I'm absolutely counting on the girls in the team, but also in their individual performances. Hanna Kebinger, Sophia Schneider and Vanessa Voigt have had a fantastic season recently. If everything comes together, a lot is possible," Germany's retired flagship skier told the German Press Agency ahead of the start of the season this Saturday (12.30 p.m./ARD and Eurosport) with the mixed competitions in Östersund, Sweden.
"The competition is strong"
The experience gained at the home World Championships in Oberhof could also help. "The competition is strong. But there's a good chance of opening the door really wide," said Herrmann-Wick, who is also relying on the experienced returnee Franziska Preuß. The 29-year-old returned in the summer after a long forced break and immediately won all three titles at the German championships on roller skis.
Top talent Selina Grotian (19), who won four gold medals at the Junior World Championships in the spring, should be given time to gain experience. "It's more about building her up for the next few years and gaining experience. It would be fundamentally wrong to put pressure on them," said the 34-year-old. If anyone needs help, she is still always available for everyone.
Herrmann-Wick ended her successful career after the season. With three victories and two third places in the previous season, the individual Olympic champion from Beijing took all the individual World Cup podium places, as well as a magnificent sprint triumph at the home World Championships in Oberhof, World Championship silver in the pursuit and silver in the relay.
With these performances, Herrmann-Wick had intercepted a lot in the German women's team - almost like a protective shield for her young teammates. "But it can be beneficial that we don't just have one leader and the others are trailing behind," said women's head coach Kristian Mehringer.
Herrmann-Wick mentioned that she has faith in her teammates Hanna Kebinger, Sophia Schneider, and Vanessa Voigt, who had an exceptional season, and believes they can make significant contributions during the World Cup in biathlon this season. Additionally, Herrmann-Wick highlighted the potential of top talent Selina Grotian, emphasizing the importance of giving her time to gain experience rather than putting undue pressure on her.
The upcoming World Cup in biathlon provides a fantastic opportunity for the new generation to showcase their skills on the international stage, and Herrmann-Wick's retired status opens up the chance for the next leaders to step up and take charge, allowing the German team to approach biathlon with a diverse and experienced group of athletes, relying on a collective effort to consistently perform well in major competitions, such as the World Cup.
Source: www.dpa.com
