Austrian biathlete Anna Gandler has made the tough decision to end her season prematurely this year due to extensive health problems. At just 24 years old, Gandler is considered one of Austria’s top prospects in the sport, yet her run this season has been marred by illness and fatigue. This decision means she will not compete again until the 2026 Winter Olympics, hoping to recover fully for this significant event.
Gandler’s troubles began last summer, and she revealed, "Eines der größten Probleme war das Schlafen, da sich mein Körper nie richtig regenerieren konnte. Und das habe ich seit Juni mitgezogen," meaning, "One of the biggest problems was sleeping because my body could never regenerate properly. I've been dealing with this since June." This lack of regeneration has severely impacted her performance, leading to this definitive break.
Her struggles were compounded by significant illnesses, most prominently Influenza, which she cites as the leading cause of her current condition. "Der Hauptgrund war die Influenza, die kann ja bis zu drei Wochen dauern, bis man wieder gesund ist." Gandler had hoped to return to full health quickly; she felt fit enough to compete yet faced serious setbacks after training hard at Nove Mesto. Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated rapidly after this intensive session, highlighting the fragility of her health.
After being hospitalized due to high fever during the World Championships held in Lenzerheide, Gandler's health continued to decline. She expressed concern, stating, "Mein gesamter Körper ist quasi vergiftet, da er sich selbst nicht mehr regeneriert, er kommt nicht mehr hinterher und ist überfordert," which translates to, "My entire body is basically poisoned, as it can no longer regenerate itself and is overwhelmed." This stark assessment has necessitated consultation with medical professionals who recommended she cease all athletic training to safeguard her recovery.
Despite facing these tremendous health challenges, Gandler remains optimistic about her future. "Ich habe einige Tränen vergossen, da es keine schöne Zeit war. Mit diesem Nichtstun habe ich aber in den letzten Tagen gut abschließen können," she shared, indicating, "I have shed some tears because it hasn’t been pleasant. But I’ve managed to come to terms with this inactivity over the past few days." Her focus now shifts to her recovery process, which includes committing to hydration, reducing sugar intake, and adopting a gluten-free diet.
To aid her recovery, Gandler has planned a trip to the Maldives with her boyfriend Emilien Claude and his family. This vacation is anticipated to provide much-needed rest, relaxation, and mental rejuvenation. Looking forward, Gandler noted, "Vielleicht ist das ja das Wundermittel," meaning, "Maybe this is the miracle remedy." This reflects her hope for healing during the break.
With her eyes set on the 2026 Winter Olympics, Gandler's choice to prioritize her health could potentially allow her to emerge stronger for her next competitive season. The road to recovery is undoubtedly challenging, but her resilience and commitment to self-care signal hope for both her and her fans. Having shown such determination and spirit, Anna Gandler’s comeback could inspire other athletes facing similar dilemmas of health versus competition.
