Franziska Preuß, the 31-year-old German biathlete, made history on the night of March 23, 2025, by winning the Gesamt-Weltcup for the first time. A day after her monumental triumph, she returned to Munich carrying not only the coveted Kristallkugel trophies but also the heavy emotional weight of her dramatic victory. Reflecting on her win, Preuß admitted, "I have to really catch up on some sleep. I used to handle the end-of-season party better," underscoring her exhaustion after an exhilarating season.
The excitement crescendoed in Oslo, where the biathlon nations celebrated with an unforgettable party in the stadium. The gathering was particularly notable as it paid tribute to biathlon legend Johannes Thingnes Bö, who retired after a successful career. "It felt like a small festival, we danced a lot," Preuß recalled fondly. Throughout the evening, she mingled with competitors from France, particularly Lou Jeanmonnot, with whom she shared a fierce rivalry during the competition.
In a nail-biting mass start race, Preuß faced Jeanmonnot, who had a slight lead in the Gesamt-Weltcup standings. Things took a tumultuous turn when Jeanmonnot fell dramatically on the final lap, leaving Preuß to clinch the win. "From a sportsman's perspective, I wouldn't wish such an experience on anyone," Preuß acknowledged, highlighting the sport's demanding nature. Instead of celebrating immediately, Preuß checked on Jeanmonnot, displaying genuine sportsmanship.
Upon arriving at Munich Airport, Preuß reflected on the moments leading up to her victory. The competition had been intense, with Jeanmonnot initially ahead. Preuß noted, "For the viewers, it was incredibly thrilling, especially leading up to the last shot." Appreciating the sportsmanship shown by her rival, she expressed her desire for a fair outcome. After the race, Jeanmonnot was one of the first to congratulate her, emphasizing a shared respect among athletes even amidst fierce competition.
With such a significant achievement comes a well-deserved vacation. Preuß plans to take a break in Thailand with her partner, Simon Schempp. "I'm looking forward to it; there’s hardly any biathlon there, and I’m not the type who enjoys being in the spotlight constantly," she remarked. But even as she prepares for relaxation, she admits a part of her mind is already on the future seasons. "Looking at last season's winners, I've seen they often face challenges afterward. I've got to be careful and let it come to me naturally," she stated cautiously.
Franziska Preuß’s victory not only marked her personal career peak but also embedded her into the history of German women’s biathlon. Joining the ranks of only six German athletes who have achieved this feat in the 37 years of the Women's World Cup, she stands alongside legends like Magdalena Neuner, Kati Wilhelm, and Andrea Henkel. Neuner remains particularly notable, having captured the Gesamt-Weltcup three times in her career. Preuß’s achievement resonates well beyond the individual victory—it symbolizes the culmination of years dedicated to the sport, culminating in this well-deserved recognition at the pinnacle of the biathlon world.
Reflecting back, Preuß faced significant hurdles during her career, including health issues that threatened her performance. After undergoing a sinus operation in spring 2024, she returned to her best form and delivered consistent performances throughout the season, achieving podium finishes in multiple races. As she reminisced about the demanding season, she expressed her satisfaction, saying, "There were numerous challenges this year, but the memorable moments far outweighed the difficulties. I truly appreciate everything that's come together after all these years of hard work. Now I can finally enjoy the success that has eluded me until now."
As the biathlon season concluded, it delivered more than just a victory. It presented an emotional narrative that spoke to resilience and camaraderie within the sport. Preuß’s relationship with Jeanmonnot highlighted the deep respect fostered among competitors, even in moments of high tension. The dramatic finish and Preuß's compassionate reaction to her rival's misfortune have become memorable aspects of this finale, which has been heralded as one of the most dramatic finishes in biathlon history.
“I wouldn’t want to win that way,” Preuß expressed regarding Jeanmonnot’s fall, indicating that her victory, although monumental, was not without empathy for her fellow athlete. Jeanmonnot noted on social media how quickly Preuß comforted her post-race, stating, "She came straight to me. Franziska immediately suggested we could cut the trophy in half and share it.” Both athletes shared a moment of understanding, embracing the spirit of sportsmanship that permeates biathlon.
As Preuß looks to secure her place in the pantheon of biathlon greats and eye future challenges, she also faces practical dilemmas of one winning the most coveted trophies in her sport. She humorously remarked, “I have to figure out what to do with all these crystal trophies,” acknowledging the weight of the things she had earned.
For now, she allowed herself to savor the achievement before contemplating the next season. With aspirations for Olympic glory still looming, she concluded, “First, I’ll enjoy a break in Thailand; it’s great because nobody there knows about the biathlon.” Perhaps the solitude of a tranquil vacation will provide the right mental reset before next year’s challenges.
